Eischen, Joseph J.

Scapular position has been hypothesized to influence rotator cuff function, but no current methods exist to reliably measure shoulder rotation strength in different scapular positions. The purpose of this study was to develop a reliable technique to measure isokinetic (ISOK) and isometric (ISOM) shoulder rotation strength with the scapula protracted. Ten healthy volunteers(5 male, 5 female, ages 20--41) completed two to three ISOM and five ISOK (90 degrees/second) internal rotation (IR) and external rotation (ER) repetitions in a position of scapular protraction with the shoulder abducted 45 degrees in the scapular plane. Subjects returned 24--72 hours later to repeat testing. All torque measurements in the protracted position exhibited excellent intersession reliability (ICCs > 0.97). Shoulder rotational torque can be measured in the protracted scapula position with excellent reliability using the new technique described. Establishing the reliability of the protracted technique is a necessary prerequisite for the completion of future studies examining quantitative differences in rotational torque generation between the neutral and protracted scapula positions in the functional shoulder position of 45 degrees of scapular plane abduction.

Abstract Purpose Recent advancements in the understanding of hip biomechanics have led to the development of techniques to remove bony impingement and repair and/or preserve the labrum during hip arthroscopy. Although much attention in the literature is devoted to diagnosis and treatment, there is little information about post‐operative rehabilitation. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to (1) provide a five‐phase rehabilitation protocol following arthroscopic treatment for FAI and (2) report clinical and functional outcomes of patients following this protocol at minimum 1‐year follow‐up, in order to provide the surgeon and therapist with a protocol that is supported by clinical data. Methods All consecutive patients undergoing hip arthroscopy and subsequent five‐phase rehabilitation protocol at a single institution from 1 April 2011 to 1 April 2012 were analysed. Inclusion criteria were as follows: no prior ipsilateral hip surgery, completion of the five‐phase rehabilitation protocol, minimum 1‐year follow‐up, and documented outcome scores. Prospective outcomes were assessed with modified Harris hip score (MHHS) and hip outcome score (HOS). Results Fifty‐two patients (19 male and 33 female) met the inclusion criteria with a median age of 42 (range 16–59) years. Mean MHHS, HOS‐ADL, and HOS‐sport scores at a mean 12.5 (range 12–15) months were 80.1 ± 19.9 (0–100), 83.6 ± 19.2 (13.2–100), and 70.3 ± 27.0 (0–100), respectively. Conclusion This five‐phase rehabilitation programme provides a framework where progression from surgery to increasing post‐operative activity level can take place in a predictable manner. Patients following this rehabilitation protocol after hip arthroscopy demonstrated satisfactory clinical and functional outcomes, validating its implementation. Level of evidence Case series, Level IV.

The purpose of this study was to establish a data base on the isokinetic eccentric muscular performance char acteristics of external and internal rotator muscles in the shoulders of professional baseball pitchers. Con centric data are also included and compared with pre viously published concentric studies. Twenty-five pro fessional baseball pitchers were evaluated with a Kin- Com isokinetic dynamometer. The subjects tested had a mean age of 23.5 years and a mean body weight of 199 pounds. Eccentric and concentric isokinetic tests were performed at 60 and 120 deg/sec. The testing protocol was standardized for each subject. Test re sults indicated no statistically significant difference in mean torque between throwing and nonthrowing shoulders for either external or internal rotator muscle groups. Eccentric strength was significantly greater than concentric strength for all muscle groups tested. The external-to-internal rotator muscle strength ratios were well above those previously published for high school through professional pitchers. Mean torque-to- lean body weight ratios were also included to establish a data base. This study establishes one of the first data bases for eccentric isokinetic muscle strength of shoul der rotator muscles in professional baseball pitchers. The data may help clinicians prevent and rehabilitate shoulder injuries in professional throwing athletes.