The effect of scapular-retractor fatigue on external and internal rotation in patients with internal impingement.
BACKGROUND
Scapular strengthening is thought to be an important component of the rehabilitation of patients with internal impingement.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect of scapular-retractor-muscle fatigue on internal- and external-rotation-torque production in patients with internal impingement.


METHODS
Case control study.


METHODS
Outpatient clinic.


METHODS
15 patients and 18 healthy subjects.


METHODS
A scapular-retractor-fatigue protocol.


METHODS
Shoulder-rotation-torque production.


RESULTS
After the scapular-retractor-fatigue protocol external-rotation strength was reduced in patients (involved 25%, noninvolved 19%; P < .001).


CONCLUSIONS
Fatigue in the scapular retractors resulted in lower shoulder-rotation-torque production. These findings emphasize the importance of the scapular retractors for proper function of the shoulder rotators with the arm in an abducted position in patients with internal impingement.
Tyler
Timothy F
TF
NISMAT, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, NY.
Cuoco
Anthony
A
Schachter
Aaron K
AK
Thomas
Gregory C
GC
McHugh
Malachy P
MP
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018763:Muscle Fatigue / Q000502:physiology*; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology; D012399:Rotation; D019534:Shoulder Impingement Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology*