Influence of scapular and trunk muscles on the closed kinetic chain upper extremity stability test performance

• Grant number: 16/01300-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: May 01, 2016
• End date: April 30, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Gisele Garcia Zanca
• Grantee: Bruna Shara Vidal de Oliveira
• Host Institution: Pró-Reitoria de Pesquisa e Pós-Graduação. Universidade do Sagrado Coração (USC). Bauru , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Despite the great importance of functional assessment in rehabilitation, functional tests for the upper limbs are scarce in the literature. The Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability (CKCUES) Test provides quantitative data regarding the functional performance of the upper limbs and can be easily applied in the clinical practice. Besides the scapular muscles, it is possible that trunk muscles also contribute to the results of the CKCUES test, since it is a task performed in closed kinetic chain. Therefore, this study aims to investigate whether the muscle strength of scapular and trunk muscles can predict the CKCUES test scores. Twenty-six healthy male subjects, with no history of shoulder injuries, will be assessed. Functional performance will be assessed through the CKCUES test. Muscle strength of trunk extensors, anterior and lateral trunk flexors, serratus anterior, upper and lower trapezius will be assessed using during maximal isometric contractions using a handheld dynamometer. A stepwise multiple regression model will be used to determine the predictive variables of the CKCUES test. The findings of this study may contribute for a better interpretation of the results of the CKCUES test, improving its clinical application in subjects with and without shoulder injuries.