Publications

Objective: The shoulders are a particularly an important body part for elite boxers. The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics of the upper trapezius (UT), infraspinatus (IS) muscle tone, pain, and isokinetic muscle function of shoulder movements such as external rotation, internal rotation, protraction, and retraction according to the scapular position of elite boxers of the Korean national team.

Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Using the double square method, the scapular position was measured and divided into the forward scapular position group (n=8) with a measurement distance of 135 mm or more, and the normal scapular position group (n=10) with a measurement distance of less than 135 mm. Through the numeric rating scale of the subject, the pain value displayed during movement was measured. The muscle tone of the subjects’ UT and IS were measured. The isokinetic muscle function of ER, IR, protraction, and retraction were measured using isokinetic exercise equipment.

Results: The results of this study showed statistically significant differences when comparing muscle tone of the UT and IS, shoulder pain, isokinetic function of ER and IR, protraction, and retraction according to scapular position (p<0.05).

Conclusions: The findings of this study were that shoulder muscle tone, pain, and isokinetic muscle function were affected according to the scapular position of elite boxers. In the future, this information may be a useful indicator when studying the effects of medium and long-term intervention in elite boxers who possess these characteristics.

Keywords: Athletes, Boxing, Muscles, Pain, Scapula

In conclusion, this study was conducted with 18 elite athletes who qualified for the National Athlete’s Village for Korean national boxing, and was conducted to investigate changes in the characteristics of shoulder pain, muscle tension, and isokinetic muscular function according to scapular position. As a result of comparing the pain and muscle tension of each muscle according to scapular position, statistically significant differences were found in the right, upper left back trapezius and IS muscles. In the NSP group com- pared to FSP group. Pain and decreased muscle tone were observed. As a result of comparing the isokinetic muscle function of 60° and 180° for each movement according to the scapular position, significant differences appeared in right and left protraction, retraction, IR, and ER. The NSP group exhibited greater muscle strength compared to the FSP group.