Scapulothoracic and Glenohumeral Stabilization Exercises in Boulderers

Effectiveness of a Program of Scapulothoracic and Glenohumeral Stabilization Exercises in Boulderers. A Randomized Pilot Study.

Introduction. In the block climbing, the fluidity with which the athlete climbs a certain route is fundamental. The speed with which the movements are executed and the number of grippers of upper limbs is related to sports performance. Shoulder injuries are very prevalent in this sport. The inhibition of the stabilizing musculature can alter joint positioning and its normal biomechanics.

Objective. To evaluate the efficacy of a program of stability exercises, scapulothoracic and glenohumeral, in the improvement of shoulder stability and sports performance, in boulder climbers.

Material and method. Forty randomized subjects will be recruit into two groups: experimental (scapulothoracic and glenohumeral stability exercises) and control (glenohumeral stabilization). The stability of the shoulder (Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test) and the sports performance (Climbing Test) will be evaluated. The intervention last 6 weeks, with two weekly sessions of 30 minutes each. Differences between evaluations will be analyzed with the t-sudent for related samples and the intra- and intersubject effect with the repeated measures ANOVA test.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Being climbers
• Between the ages of 18 and 40 years
• Belonging to the Boulder Madrid Climbing Gym
• Who climbed at least twice a week
• Having at least 6 months of experience

Exclusion Criteria:

• Were participating in competitions at the time
• Presented pathologies of the upper limb
• Used any type of ergogenic aid
• Had not signed the informed consent document.