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Completed

NCT Number: NCT05146128

Comparison Between Functional and Analytic Methods to Strengthen Shoulder Rotators and Scapular Muscles

The objective of the study was to compare analytic, functional and mixed (analytic/functional) methods in strengthening rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers muscles. For that purpose, participants had to follow a strengthening program 3 times a week during 8 weeks.

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Key information

Conditions

Strength

Age range

18 year–35 year

Sex eligibility

Male

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Université de Liège

Liège, 4000, Belgium

About this study

Each participant was allocated to a group (analytic, functional and mixed groups) in a random way while assuring that the groups were quite similar in morphological data or in performance. The strengthening program has to be performed three times a week during eight weeks by each participant.

The exercises included in the program were chosen among the bests exercises described in literature to active shoulder rotators as well as scapular stabilizing muscles. The analytic group has to perform the following exercises: prone rowing with dumbbell, prone external rotation at 90° of abduction, prone extension, bilateral scapular protraction with dumbbells, eccentric internal rotation at 90° of abduction, external rotation diagonal exercise and single arm shot put medicine ball throw. The functional group performed the same exercises but with a functional component: standard plank rowing, swissball external rotation at 90° of abduction, standard plank extension, bilateral scapular protraction (standard plank + raised feet), eccentric internal rotation 90° of abduction with unipodal glute bridge, external rotation diagonal in an unipodal position and single arm shot put throw with medicine ball in and single arm shot put medicine ball throw. Then, for the mixed group, the program included exercises from the analytic group and other ones from the functional group in equal parts. For all the groups, the exercises aimed to strengthen shoulder rotators were performed five times in a row and the others aimed to strengthen scapular stabilizing muscles were performed fifteen times in a row. The only exception was for the single arm shot put medicine ball throw that was performed ten times. Two series of each exercises were performed during each session, which represent a mean duration of thirty minutes.

At the beginning and at the end of the intervention, three different evaluations were performed :

  • Measurement of shoulder rotators strength (with an isokinetic device)
  • Measurement of scapular stabilizers strength (with an isokinetic device)
  • Measurement of functional performance (with Medicine Ball Throw, CKCUEST, Y Balance Test and a core stability test)

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Males aged between 18 and 35 years old

Exclusion criteria

  • Practicing an overhead sport
  • Having an history of shoulder pain or shoulder surgery in the past 12 months

Treatment and study plan

Strengthening Exercises

Other

The participants had to perform specific exercices 3 times a week during 8 weeks

Primary outcomes

  1. Shoulder rotators strength

    Time frame: Change from baseline at 8 weeks

    The strength was measured with an isokinetic device

  2. Scapular stabilizing muscles strength

    Time frame: Change from baseline at 8 weeks

    The strength was measured with an isokinetic device

  3. Upper Quarter Y Balance Test

    Time frame: Change from baseline at 8 weeks

    A closed-kinetic-chain upper extremity functional test aimed to assess stability and mobility of the shoulder

  4. Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test

    Time frame: Change from baseline at 8 weeks

    A closed-kinetic-chain upper extremity functional test aimed to assess coordination and shoulder stability

  5. Medicine ball throw

    Time frame: Change from baseline at 8 weeks

    The participants had to throw a 800g-medicine ball as far as possible

  6. Core stability test

    Time frame: Change from baseline at 8 weeks

    The participants had to maintain a plank position as long as possible

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Liege

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Functional or Analytic Methods: What is the Best to Strengthen Shoulder and Scapular Muscles?

Important dates

Study start
2021
Primary completion
2021
Study completion
2022
First posted
Dec 6, 2021
Registry last updated
May 31, 2022

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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