Effect of Muscle Energy Technique on Strength and Range of Motion in Young Swimmers with Sick Scapula Syndrome: A Pre-Post Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: There are various overhead injuries which mainly affect the shoulder complex in swimmers and one among them is sick scapula syndrome which results in muscular imbalance in such athletes. The abbreviation SICK stands for Scapular malposition, Inferior medial border prominence, Coracoid pain and malposition, Dyskinesia. Method: In this study 26 subjects with sick scapula syndrome were taken into the study by evaluating through the lateral scapular slide test (LSST), the subjects affected were given muscle energy technique to increase the strength of the scapular muscles the technique was given for 45-60 seconds thrice in a week for three weeks and all the subjects were immediately assessed using MMT. Results: The t and p value of Pre and Post ROM scale of Extension was 11.523 and 0.001. The t and p value of Pre and Post ROM scale of Internal rotation was 10.490 and 0.001. The t and p value of Pre and Post ROM scale of external rotation was 12.569 and 0.001 which is statistically significant. The t and p value of Pre and Post MMT scale of serratus anterior was 1.995 and 0.050. The t and p value of Pre and Post MMT scale of Pectoralis Minor was 5.000 and 0.001. The t and p value of Pre and Post MMT scale of Latissimus dorsi was 2.440 and 0.022. The t and p value of Pre and Post MMT scale of Trapezius was 6.325 and 0.001 which is statistically significant. Conclusion: The present study results demonstrate that of Muscle energy techniques effective in increasing the range of motion and strength in young swimmers within the age group of 8 to 15 years with sick scapular syndrome.