The Effects of Intense Practice Sessions on the Scapular Kinematics of Elite Water Polo Players with and without Impingement Syndrome

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of intense practice session on the scapular kinematics of elite water polo players with and without impingement syndrome. METHODS: 14 water polo players with no known shoulder pathology and 16 water polo players with shoulder impingement syndrome participated in this study. Scapular abduction and rotatory index were measured using the Lateral Scapular Slide Test with the hands at side by hands with palm facing inwards, thumb on the PSIS and fingers facing forwards and shoulder in 90? of abduction and internal rotation with thumb facing the ground. Measurements were made pre- and post practice session.

Results: There were no differences in baseline measurements of kinematics between the two groups. The scapular abduction was significantly decreased in individuals with impingement at 45º and 90º with the p value at 45º=0.0001 and at 90º=0.008 compared to those individuals without impingement. The rotatory index was significantly decreased in individuals with impingement at 0º and 45º with p value at 0º=0.0001 and at 45º=0.0400 compared to those individuals without impingement.

Conclusion: Abnormal scapular kinematics in water polo players with impingement syndrome was observed after an intense practice session.