Open AccessHigher bench press performance resulted in higher shoulder stiffness among perak sukma 2018 female rugby players
Author(s) -
Mohansundar Sankaravel,
Nur Ikhwan Mohamad,
Aida Azmi
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
international journal of research in pharmaceutical sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 0975-7538
DOI - 10.26452/ijrps.v10ispl1.1718
Subject(s) - bench press , shoulder joint , internal rotation , physical therapy , range of motion , medicine , strength training , athletes , external rotation , physical medicine and rehabilitation , surgery , resistance training , engineering , mechanical engineering
Bench press exercise is extensively used for chest and shoulder strength development. Joint stiffness is one of the side-effects that may occur with the exercise. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between bench press load and shoulder joint stiffness. Sixteen female rugby players (body weight 53.98 ± 7.14 kg, height 156 ± 5.38 cm) selected for Perak SUKMA 2018 team were assessed during centralized training ~9 months prior to the competition. Shoulder joint stiffness in terms of external and internal rotation range of motions were assessed by a qualified physiotherapist. The participants then performed one repetition maximum (1-RM) Bench press, according to the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA)'s protocol. Standardized warm-up and cooling-down protocol were prescribed to the participants accordingly. Pearson correlation coefficient was used for statistical correlation analysis. Both side shoulder internal and external rotation range of motion measurements showed a negative correlation (r=-0.190 internal, r=-0.285 external) with bench press (average 1-RM load 50.83 ± 9.00 kg) performance. Bench press exercises may result in reduced shoulder mobility due to an increase of muscular tightness around the joint. Maintaining normal mobility of shoulder joint throughout any strength training program is warranted and suggested. The finding also highlighted the importance of the mobility program to always be included together with a strength training programme for athletes.