The Effect of a Functional Training Program on Improving Scapular-Brachial Rhythm and Performance of Elite Tennis Players with Scapular Dyskinesia

Abstract

Introduction: There is limited credible scientific evidence regarding the impact of functional training exercises on improving the shoulder position and performance of tennis players with Scapular Dyskinesia. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of a functional training program on improving the scapular-brachial rhythm and the performance of elite tennis players with scapular dyskinesia. Methods: thirty top tennis athletes at the national level who were suffering from shoulder dyskinesia were selected purposefully and randomly and divided into two experimental and control groups of fifteen. Before and after 8 weeks of functional exercises, scapular-brachial rhythm and upper limb function were evaluated using an inclinometer and Y test. In the inferential statistics section, the analysis of the covariance test was used to compare the differences between groups, and the correlated t-test was used to compare the differences within groups. Results: The results of the paired t-test show the effect of functional exercises on the scapular-brachial rhythm at angles of zero degrees (P=0.004), 45 degrees (P<0.001), 90 degrees (P<0.001) and 135 degrees (P<0.001) and also upper limb function (P=0.002) in the experimental group. Conclusion: Considering the changes observed in the shoulder position of the subjects of the present study, it seems that the changes in the neuromuscular system have occurred, and the results indicate that the implementation of a functional training program, in addition to improving shoulder posture, can be effective in improving the performance of tennis athletes.

Keywords

• exercise therapy
• rehabilitation
• tennis
• athletes
• dyskinesias