Korean J Sports Med.  2020 Sep;38(3):171-181. 10.5763/kjsm.2020.38.3.171.

Effects of Lower Trapezius Strengthening Exercise on Shoulder Pain, Function and Archery Performance in Elite Archers

• Kim E
• Kim J
• You J

• KMID: 2506075
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5763/kjsm.2020.38.3.171

Abstract

Purpose
The primary aim of this study was to examine the effects of 8-week lower trapezius strengthening exercise (LTSE) on shoulder pain, function and archery performance. The secondary aim was to identify main factors that have something to do with injury prevention and performance enhancement for elite archers.
Methods
Thirty-one elite archers were recruited and evenly assigned into the LTSE group (n=16) and into the control group (n=15) based on gender and athletes’ career. Shoulder pain was evaluated using Numeric pain rating scale (NPRS). Shoulder function was assessed using the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI), upper quarter Y balance test (UQYBT), Trapezius and Deltoid muscle activity ratios by surface electromyography and the angle of scapula elevation/abduction by 3-dimentional motion analyses. Archery performance was estimated using draw force line (DFL) angle at full bowstring draw position and the scores acquired from real archery shooting. After the baseline measurements, the 8-week LTSEs were implemented and the post-exercise measurements were conducted.
Results
In the LTSE group, NPRS score and WOSI score significantly decreased after exercise program. The activity ratio of upper to lower trapezius muscle, scapula elevation angle and the DFL angle were also significantly reduced. The UQYBT scores significantly increased on both shoulders.
Conclusion
Eight weeks of LTSE has reduced shoulder pain in archers and improved shoulder function and performance factors.

Keyword

Archery; Athletic Performance; Lower trapezius; Shoulder pain; Strengthening exercise

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Research procedure. EMG: electromyography, NPRS: numeric pain rating scale, WOSI: Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index, LTSE: lower trapezius strengthening exercise.

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  Fig. 2 Measure of scapular elevation angle and shoulder abduction angle.

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  Fig. 3 Draw force line angle.

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  Fig. 4 Lower trapezius strengthening exercise. (A) Y-raise. (B) T-raise. (C) Modified Prone Cobra. (D) L-External Rotation (ER).

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