The use of functional physiotherapeutic tests to assess the risk of suffering physical injuries by men practicing capoeira and bodybuilding

Abstract

Introduction. Being physically active is a desired element of a lifestyle in terms of avoiding civilizational diseases, but may also promote a risk of occurring damages of the locomotor system. The research objective was to obtain the information on the spinal joints, hip joints and shoulder joints mobility that may predispose to suffering physical injuries by men practicing capoeira and bodybuilding. Materials and methods. The study consisted of 43 men practicing capoeira and bodybuilding. The research tool consisted of: a series of tests evaluating the flexibility (the Dega test, Thomas test, Thomayer test and Zipper Back Scratch Test), and of a custom-made survey on training methods, the number, types and circumstances of contracted injuries, as well as their treatment methods. Results. One studied person from the first group and eleven persons from the second group showed a negative Thomayer test result. Iliolumbar muscle spasms were identified in the case of two men practicing capoeira and sixteen bodybuilders. Seven men practicing capoeira and thirteen men practicing bodybuilding obtained negative Dega test results. Negative Back Scratch Test results were observed in the case of five capoeira adepts and fifteen bodybuilders. The differences between the results of all the tests were statistically significant (p<0,05). Conclusions. 1. Physical injuries are common among capoeira and bodybuilding practitioners. The degree of functional limitations may be the effect, yet also the cause of bodily injuries. 2. The majority of bodybuilding practitioners had limited joint flexibility.