The goal of this study is to find out if a tool called an external cueing device (ECD) can help young swimmers improve their shoulder function. An ECD is a tool that limits arm movement and gives the swimmer a target to focus on while doing exercises. The main questions this study will answer are: * Does using an ECD during certain exercises improve muscle strength? * Does using an ECD while exercising help with shoulder stability? Participants will: * Test their shoulder muscle strength and stability at the beginning of the study. * Complete 8 exercises as part of their regular dry-land training program for 6 weeks. * Repeat the same tests after 3 weeks and again at the end of the study.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
30
A portable product that provides movement pattern constraints to ensure improved exercise form, and provides a target zone for exercise effort
Shoulder stabilization exercise protocol contains 8 exercises ("I", "Y", "T", "i", "w", alternating arm "I"/"i", "n", and supine serratus punch) completed for 8 repetitions each for 3 weeks, and in weeks 4-6 completed at 2 sets of 8 repetitions each.
Fredericka G. Evans Cultural Centre
Mobile, Alabama, United States
Change from baseline in isometric muscle torque production at 180 degrees shoulder abduction
Handheld dynamometer assessment of force production times lever arm distance (Newton.meters) of prone shoulder elevation in 180 degrees of abduction completed at baseline, after 3 and 6 weeks of the training program.
Time frame: Baseline, 3 weeks, 6 weeks.
Change from baseline in isometric muscle torque production at 135 degrees shoulder abduction
Handheld dynamometer assessment of force production times lever arm distance (Newton.meters) of prone shoulder elevation in 135 degrees of abduction completed at baseline, after 3 and 6 weeks of the training program.
Time frame: Baseline, 3 weeks, 6 weeks.
Change from baseline in isometric muscle torque production at 90 degrees shoulder abduction
Handheld dynamometer assessment of force production times lever arm distance (Newton.meters) of prone shoulder elevation in 90 degrees of abduction completed at baseline, after 3 and 6 weeks of the training program.
Time frame: Baseline, 3 weeks, 6 weeks.
Change from baseline in modified Athletic Shoulder Test at 180 degrees shoulder abduction
Maximum isometric force production with lying prone into a handheld dynamometer at a given lever arm distance results in muscle torque (Newton.meters) reading. This portion of the test is conducted at 180 degrees of abduction.
Time frame: Baseline, 3 weeks, 6 weeks.
Change from baseline in modified Athletic Shoulder Test at 135 degrees shoulder abduction
Maximum isometric force production with lying prone into a handheld dynamometer at a given lever arm distance results in muscle torque (Newton.meters) reading. This portion of the test is conducted at 135 degrees of abduction.
Time frame: Baseline, 3 weeks, 6 weeks.
Change from baseline in modified Athletic Shoulder Test at 90 degrees shoulder abduction
Maximum isometric force production with lying prone into a handheld dynamometer at a given lever arm distance results in muscle torque (Newton.meters) reading. This portion of the test is conducted at 90 degrees of abduction.
Time frame: Baseline, 3 weeks, 6 weeks.
Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test Power Score
Two strips of tape are placed 36 inches apart. Participants assume a push up position (male) or pushup on knees (Female) and are instructed to reach across and touch the opposing hand alternating arms. Maximum number of touches in 15 seconds is recorded. Normalization is made by multiplying the raw touch score by 0.68 x Subject weight in Kg (representing the mass on the head arms and trunk) and dividing by the 15 seconds. Higher number indicates increased shoulder stability.
Time frame: Baseline, 6 weeks.
Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test Raw Touch Score
Two strips of tape are placed 36 inches apart. Participants assume a push up position (male) or pushup on knees (Female) and are instructed to reach across and touch the opposing hand alternating arms. Maximum number of touches in 15 seconds is recorded. Higher number of touches indicates increased shoulder stability
Time frame: Baseline, 6 weeks.
Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test Touch Score
Two strips of tape are placed 36 inches apart. Participants assume a push up position (male) or pushup on knees (Female) and are instructed to reach across and touch the opposing hand alternating arms. Maximum number of touches in 15 seconds is recorded. Touches are adjusted for subject height by dividing raw touch by subject height (in inches based on prior literature). Higher number of touches indicates increased shoulder stability
Time frame: Baseline, 6 weeks.
Maximal Prone Arm Elevation at 180 degrees abduction
Distance from floor to wrist crease, measured in cm.
Time frame: Baseline, 3 weeks, 6 weeks.
Maximal Prone Arm Elevation at 135 degrees abduction
Distance from floor to wrist crease, measured in cm.
Time frame: Baseline, 3 weeks, 6 weeks.
Maximal Prone Arm Elevation at 90 degrees abduction
Distance from floor to wrist crease, measured in cm.
Time frame: Baseline, 3 weeks, 6 weeks.
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