Assessment of shoulder kinematics in six asymptomatic female waterpolo athletes in relation to posture : a pilot study

Abstract

Global posture and the shoulder complex are closely related through the musculotendinous nature of the scapulothoracic joint. Musculature governs whether this joint functions effectively. If a strained structure is given timely treatment before it has time to manifest symptoms, injury can be prevented. Altered posture can predispose the shoulder to kinematic alterations. Serratus anterior and inferior trapezius have been identified as targets for muscular imbalances presented in forward head, rounded shoulder posture. Long-term fatigue can also alter global posture and compensation mechanisms will take over. An assessment was carried out on six asymptomatic female waterpolo athletes. This study focused on shoulder kinematic analysis in parallel with another study that analysed posture. The assessment tool was a purposefully constructed screening protocol. The shoulder assessment was divided into four main areas: muscle imbalances around the shoulder, shoulder joint capsule tightness, scapular setting and somatosensory head repositioning ability. The results that were obtained from the shoulder kinematic analysis were correlated with the study that assessed posture using the same cohort of participants. Results from this case study are inconclusive to the notion that global posture correlates to altered shoulder kinematics. Poor serratus anterior activations were met with a confirmation from scapular assessment, but not from the proper muscle testing. The trapezius muscle testing didn’t allow measuring of different activation strength. Further work with more participants and variables into play is needed. A longitudinal study involving the same participants who are screened over a number of years can help legitimise the idea that global posture affects shoulder kinematics.