Prediction of scapular dyskinesis through electromyographic indices in overhead athletes

Shoulder joint function and subsequent athletic performance of overhead athletes are influenced by scapular dyskinesis (SD). This is due to its high prevalence in these athletes and because of the motor interaction between the scapula and the arm. In this regard, the present study was carried out to predict SD through electromyographic index of scapulothoracic muscles in female overhead athletes. The present investigation was a descriptive-correlational study that was carried out on ۶۰ volleyball, handball, basketball, and badminton female athletes. The Lateral scapular slide test was used to examine their SD. The required electromyography and electrogonimetry data were recorded simultaneously to measure the activity and onset time of scapulothoracic muscles, including upper trapezius (UT), lower trapezius (LT) and serratus anterior (SA). The collected data were analyzed through Spearman correlation and multiple regression tests. There were significant correlations between all electromyographic variables and SD (p<۰.۰۱). The regression effects of all predictive variables on SD were significant (p= ۰.۰۰۱). In terms of predictive power, UT/SA co-contraction (β= ۰.۷۶۵), UT/LT co-contraction (β= ۰.۷۱۶), LT onset time (β= ۰.۶۷۲), LT activity (β= ۰.۶۱۲), and SA onset time (β= ۰.۵۷۶) had the highest regression effects on SD, respectively. The analysis of the study model showed that there was a strong correlation (r= ۰.۶۹۴) between the predictive variables and SD, and that the independent variables predicted ۴۸% of the variance of criterion variable. According to the presence of imbalance in scapulothoracic muscles of the overhead athletes with SD, the athletes should be monitored by coaches, physiotherapists, and physicians for SD screening. It is also necessary to carry out prospective studies to examine and explore other variables related to SD

کلیدواژه ها:

electromyography” ، “muscle onset time” ، “overhead athletes” ، “scapular dyskinesis