Relationship between upper limb physical performance tests and muscle strength of scapular, shoulder and spine stabilizers: A cross-sectional study.
INTRODUCTION
Performance tests of the upper limb have been frequently used in the evaluation of individuals to identify risk of injury and to determine improvement in physical performance. Understanding the variables related to the performance of the tests is important for better applicability and interpretation of test results. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investige the correlation between isometric strength of scapular, shoulder and spine muscles with physical performance test of upper limb in men and women.


EXPERIMENTAL
Forty-nine healthy and physically conditioned individuals, men (n = 24) (22,7 ± 3,2 years; 74,6 ± 8,1 Kg; 176,7 ± 7,1 cm) women (n = 25) (23 ± 2,7 years; 61,5 ± 9,1 Kg; 163,2 ± 5,6 cm), were evaluated for shoulder abductor isometric strength (S-ABD); Middle (MT) and lower (LT) trapezium; lateral shoulder rotators (S-LR); flexors (T-FLEX), lateral incliners (T-INCL), and trunk extenders (T-EXT). Evaluation of upper limb physical performance was carried out by Upper Quarter Y Balance test (YBT-UQ) and Chain upper extremity stability test (CKC-UEST). Pearson's test (r values) p ≤ 0.05 was used to analyze the correlation.


RESULTS
The results reveal strong correlations between S-ABD and CKC-UEST in male group; and strong correlations in female group between S-ABD strength with CKC-UEST; and S-LR with all YBT-UQ directions and score and between T-EXT strength with CKC-UEST.


CONCLUSION
Therefore, strength of shoulder and spine stabilizers influences performance in upper limb tests, but with different correlations as to sex. To improve test performance, it may be important to increase the strength of the shoulder and spine muscles.
['Guirelli|Agnes Ramos|AR|', 'Dos Santos|Júlia Maria|JM|', 'Cabral|Estêvão Mállon Gomes|EMG|', 'Pinto|João Pedro Camilo|JPC|', 'De Lima|Gabriel Alves|GA|', 'Felicio|Lilian Ramiro|LR|']
D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies D005260:Female D006801:Humans D008297:Male D053580:Muscle Strength D000076604:Physical Functional Performance D012782:Shoulder D034941:Upper Extremity
Upper limb Spine YBT-UQ Dynamometry Muscle strength CKC-UEST