THE EFFECT OF TRUNK STABILITY TRAINING ON UPPER EXTREMITY ENDURANCE, STABILITY AND SHOULDER JOINT PROPRIOCEPTION IN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN

Abstract

Purpose: The incidence of shoulder pathologies is increasing in postmenopausal women. In this period, there is a need for protective approaches to be applied to prevent shoulder injuries. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of clinical pilates exercises on upper extremity stability, endurance, function and shoulder joint proprioception in postmenopausal women. Methods: 30 postmenopausal women between the ages of 40-60 were included in our study. Participants were given clinical pilates training for 6 weeks, 3 days a week, 60 minutes by a physiotherapist. Before and after pilates training, dynamic stability of the shoulder was evaluated with Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test (CKCUES Test) and Upper Quarter Y Balance Test (UQYBT). Upper extremity muscle endurance was evaluated with the modified push up test. Laser Pointer-Assisted Angle Reproduction Test (LP-ART) was used to evaluate shoulder joint position sense. Results: A statistically significant difference was found in CKCUES Test (p=0.000, r=0.594), UQYBT (p=0.000, r=0.537), modified push up (p=0.000, r=0.594), LP-ART abduction (p=0.000, r= 0.491) and LP-ART flexion (p=0.000, r=0.484) at end of the training compared to the pre-training. The exercise program was found to be highly effective on all parameters. Conclusion: It was concluded that clinical pilates training applied in postmenopausal women increased the dynamic stability of the shoulder, endurance and position sense. Trunk stabilization exercises may be beneficial as a preventive approach in the prevention of shoulder pathologies in postmenopausal women.