The Effects of Training the Humeral Rotators on Arm Elevation in the Scapular Plane

Abstract

Context:It has been hypothesized that the fibers of the infraspinatus and subscapularis superior to the glenohumeral axis of rotation contribute directly to arm elevation.Objective:To test this hypothesis by assessing the impact of 5 weeks of concentric isokinetic humeral-rotator training in a modified neutral position on scapular-plane arm-elevation peak torque.Design:Prospective, pretest/posttest with control group.Participants:24 female and 6 male noninjured college students (N = 30).Main Outcome Measures:Scapular-plane-elevation peak torque at 60, 180, and 300°/s.Results:Repeated-measures ANOVA indicated no difference in peak torque between groups at any of the angular velocities tested (P< .05)Conclusions:5 weeks of concentric isokinetic humeral-rotator training did not significantly increase scapular-plane-elevation peak torque.