Influence of external fixation on the isomeric strength of the shoulder flexors in individuals with scapular elevation.

Background: Sufficient shoulder flexor strength is necessary for accurate movement of the shoulder joint because several factors can cause compensatory movements of the scapula.

Objective: We investigated the influence of external fixation on the isometric shoulder flexors strength (ISFS) in individuals with and without scapular elevation (SE) during shoulder flexion.

Methods: The healthy and SE groups included 29 individuals. The ISFS was measured using a tensiometer (kg) under conditions of with and without external fixation, in a random order. The change in the ISFS (the strength difference with and without external fixation) was compared between the healthy and SE groups using an independent t-test.

Results: The change in the ISFS differed significantly between the healthy and SE groups (3.5% and 32.3%, respectively; p= 0.001).

Conclusion: These findings suggest that external fixation should be considered during shoulder flexion to determine the ISFS accurately in individuals with compensated SE.