| Abstract [eng] |
Fencing is an asymmetric sport that can cause shoulder muscles disbalance. Bilateral differences of muscle strength or length are related to shoulder pain, poorer sport performance and can even lead to trauma. The aim of research work. To analyze differences between dominant and non-dominant shoulder muscle strength, length and scapula position of fencers. Tasks of work: 1. To evaluate and compare dominant and non-dominant shoulder muscle strength, length and scapula position of fencers. 2. To compare fencer‘s and non-athletes shoulder muscles strength, length and scapula position. 3. To assess relations between shoulder muscles isometric strength and hand grip of fencers. Materials and methods. The study involves 31 Lithuanian fencers and 30 healthy non-athletes. Shoulder muscles (pectoralis major, pectoralis minor, serratus anterior, internal and external rotators, upper, middle and lower trapezius muscles) were assessed using hand held dynamometer (Lafayette manual muscle testing system, model 011065). Measurement of pectoralis minor muscle length was taken with tape measure. Humerus rotations and scapular upward rotation were measured by using goniometer. Statistical analysis was performed using “IBM SPSS Statistics 20.0” and “Microsoft Excel 2010” statistical programs. Results and conclusions. Dominant shoulder muscles are statistically stronger than non-dominant. Dominant side pectoralis major 0,92±1,13 kg, pectoralis minor – 0,62±1,42 kg, serratus anterior muscle – 0,67±0,87 kg, internal rotators - 1,59±2,70 kg, external rotators – 0,56±1,50 kg and lower trapezius – 0,53±0,63 kg are stronger than non-dominant side (p<0.05). Dominant pectoralis minor is 0,77±0,89 cm shorter than non-dominant, as well as external rotators, which are 7,74± 6,69 degree shorter in dominant side (p<0.05). Statistically significant differences was found between dominant and non-dominant side scapula upward rotation in all humerus positions (p<0.05). However, dominant side scapula – humeral rhythm are no statistically different from the norm in 90 and 180 degree humerus abduction. It was found moderate correlations between pectoralis major, serratus anterior, internal and external rotators, trapezius muscles isometric strength and hand grip (p<0.05). There was no statistically significant correlation between pectoralis minor muscle strength and hand grip (p>0.05). To conclude, asymmetric fencing position can influence bilateral shoulder muscles dysfunction. |
