Scapular Stabilization During Manual Horizontal Adduction Stretches and Its Effect on Increasing Posterior Shoulder Flexibility

The Effect of Scapular Stabilization During Horizontal Adduction Stretching on Passive Internal Rotation and Posterior Shoulder Tightness in Young Female Volleyball Athletes.

The purpose of this study is to determine if stabilizing the scapula (shoulder blade) during a common shoulder stretch is more effective at improving shoulder range of motion than not stabilizing the scapula. Investigators hypothesize that scapular stabilization during horizontal adduction stretching will demonstrate greater gains in shoulder range of motion than stretching without scapular stabilization.

Inclusion Criteria:

• athletes with at least two years of volleyball experience
• athletes with no current shoulder pain
• athletes between the ages of 15 and 21
• athletes with a 10 degree or greater difference in internal rotation between shoulders

Exclusion Criteria:

• athletes currently experiencing shoulder pain
• athletes having less than two years of volleyball experience
• athletes not meting inclusion criteria