The effect of shoulder core exercises on isometric torque of glenohumeral joint movements in healthy young females.

Background: Strength improvement of the shoulder muscles is a major goal in rehabilitation or athletic conditioning programs. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of shoulder core exercises on the isometric torque of glenohumeral joint movements.

Methods: A total of 36 healthy females with no history of shoulder injury enrolled in this study. Subjects were randomly assigned into the control group (n = 18, 22 ± 2.19 years of age) or experimental group (n = 18, 21 ± 2.05 years of age). Subjects in experimental group performed shoulder core exercises, using progressive resistance training, three times a week for six weeks. Subjects in control group performed no exercise. The isometric torque of shoulder movements were measured with Dynatorq device in isolated test positions of glenohumeral muscles at the beginning and after six weeks in both groups.

Results: shoulder core exercise training led to an increase in maximal isometric torques of shoulder scaption at 0° and 90° arm elevation, external and internal rotation, horizontal adduction and extension movements (p < 0.001 in all instances). No significant difference was found between initial scores and scores after six weeks in the control group (p > 0.05).

Conclusions: These findings indicated that shoulder core exercise training leads to an increase in peak torque for all glenohumeral movements that can be considered in glenohumeral muscles strengthening programs.