Influence of pectoralis minor muscle stretching on scapular kinematics

• Grant number: 10/13103-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: March 01, 2011
• End date: September 30, 2012
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Anamaria Siriani de Oliveira
• Grantee: Paula Maria Ferreira Camarini
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The adequated scapular kinematic is very important to the shoulder normal function. Healthy individuals present a pattern of scapular upward rotation, posterior tilt and external rotation that progressively occur during humeral elevation. The literature shows that individuals with shoulder impingement present a decrease in scapular upward rotation and posterior tilt and an increase in scapular internal rotation. These kinematics alterations are believed to contribute to the narrowing of the subacromial space and, consequently, to the shoulder impingement. One of the factors that can contribute to the scapular kinematics alterations is the presence of a short pectoralis minor muscle that originates from third to fifth ribs and inserts on coracoids process. Because of an increase in passive tension, this muscle can limit the normal scapular motion. Previous study demonstrate that healthy subjects with short pectoralis minor show scapular kinematics similar to that presented by individuals with subacromial impingement syndrome. So, it is recommended the inclusion of this muscle stretching during the treatment of this condition. However, there are no data in the literature that demonstrate the isolated effect of the pectoralis minor stretching on scapular kinematics. Thus, the objective of this study is to evaluate the influence of the pectoralis minor on scapular kinematics. For this, thirty healthy individuals with short pectoralis minor will be submitted to a scapular kinematics evaluation before and after a stretching programme. (AU)

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

CAMARINI, Paula Maria Ferreira. Influence of anterior shoulder aspect musculature stretching on scapular kinematics. 2013. Master's Dissertation - Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (PCARP/BC) Ribeirão Preto.