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BACKGROUND: Daily activities that involve upper limb movements require muscle activation from different body parts by transferring forces and energy along the functional kinetic chain. The scapulae connect and transfer forces between the trunk and the upper limbs, so scapular dyskinesis may compromise the performance of the kinetic chain. OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between core muscle performance and shoulder pain and function in individuals with shoulder pain, with and without scapular dyskinesis. METHODS: Data was collected from 77 non-athlete adults aged between 18 and 50 years with shoulder pain, 45 had scapular dyskinesis. Core muscle performance was measured using the prone bridging test (PBT). Shoulder pain and disability were measured by the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), and the upper limbs' stability was assessed by the Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test (CKCUEST). The peak torque of shoulder external and internal rotators was measured using an isokinetic dynamometer. Multiple linear regression models evaluated the relationship between the PBT and CKCUEST, SPADI, and shoulder rotator strength. RESULTS: Significant correlations were found between the PBT and the SPADI total score (r = – 0.522), pain domain (r = – 0.513), and disability domain (r = – 0.501); normalized score (r = 0.593), and the power (r = 0.624) of the CKCUEST; and peak torque for external (r = 0.256) and internal (r = 0.292) rotations. Scapular dyskinesis did not influence the magnitude of the correlations and predictive values. CONCLUSION: The PBT was correlated with shoulder pain and function, but scapular dyskinesis did not affect the magnitude of these relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: While positive short-term effects from corrective exercise on neck-shoulder pain (NSP) are evident, maintenance effects after cessation of the exercise remain unknown. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to assess the lasting effects of corrective exercise in NSP and workability after a year of detraining. METHODS: A cohort study with 1-year follow-up was carried out in two previous training groups (n = 24) using a self-reported paper-based questionnaire, which was completed three times (baseline, 8-week exercise, and 1-year detraining). The subjects (mean±SD age: 39.0±6.4, 38.1±8.0) responded to the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for NSP as the primary outcome. A single validated item from the Workability Index determined workability as the secondary outcome. Between and within-group differences of the two groups were investigated using non-parametric tests, including 12 subjects in each group. RESULTS: The results indicated that 8-week exercise improvements in NSP and mental and physical workability were largely maintained after one year of detraining. The lasting effects of NSP and physical and mental workability were statistically identified in 8-week and 1-year follow-ups. Nevertheless, it is noticeably warranted to adhere to the exercise program. CONCLUSION: The current study indicates that a brief 8-week exercise period once per year is sufficient to reduce pain and improve workability among workers. This knowledge can make exercise interventions more feasible and cost-effective for companies aiming to improve employee health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Specificity plays an important role in the design of strength training protocols. One of the paramount factors is the range of motion (ROM). OBJECTIVE: To explore limited range of motion (ROM) strength training using a closed chain upper extremity push pull motion. Range specific effects and transferability (strength gains outside the trained ROM) were investigated. METHOD: 45 healthy women (18-50 ± 4.2) randomly assigned to one of three groups: Full ROM group, Limited ROM group, Control group. Training and testing were conducted using a closed chain attachment of an isokinetic dynamometer, at a constant linear velocity of 12.22 cm/s (corresponding to the dynamometer angular velocity of 60°/sec) and a second condition of 36.67 cm/s (corresponding to the dynamometer angular velocity of 180°/sec). Training lasted 6 weeks X 2 days per week, through either full or limited ROM, representing a middle segment of the linear displacement of the handle through the full ROM. Peak force and work data were evaluated. RESULTS: Significant gains in peak force and work values at full ROM and all sub ranges were noted for both training groups. Transferability of strength was demonstrated for limited ROM training, whereas specificity could be demonstrated only under the condition of range X velocity interaction. CONCLUSION: Our findings support the use of limited ROM training in the upper extremity and are in agreement with previous data regarding the knee extensors. Limited ROM training may be used early on in upper extremity rehabilitation. Particularly, the suggested protocol may be safely applied to scapular rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]