EFFECTS OF MUSCLE ENERGY TECHNIQUE ON PECTORALIS MINOR TIGHTNESS AMONG COMPETITTIVE SWIMMERS WITH SHOULDER DYSFUCTION- PILOT STUDY

S. Karthikeyan*, B. K. Manoj and P. Senthil Selvam

ABSTRACT

Background: Swimming is a professional sport in which the shoulder and upper extremity of the swimmers contributes up to 90% of the propulsive power. This activity requires different shoulder motions. The excessive shoulder rotational movements may result in hypertrophy of the anterior musculature. The tightness of these anterior musculature especially Pectoralis minor muscle leads to shoulder impingement and scapular dyskinesia. The Pectoralis minor muscle is a key component in the anterior musculature to address in the prevention and treatment of shoulder impingement and scapular dyskinesia which may be a predisposing factor for pain and functional disability among swimmers. Aim: The present aim of the study is to analyze the effectiveness of muscle energy technique on Pectoralis minor length changes among the competitive swimmers with shoulder dysfunction. Method: There were 07 swimmers who were selected for this study with reference to the Pectoralis minor index indicating tightness of the muscle and associated shoulder pain NPRS > 3. All the swimmers were given Muscle energy technique. The length of the muscle is measured in inch tape and Pectoralis minor index calculated before and after treatment. The outcome measures used were Pectoralis minor index, numerical pain scale, Glenohumeral range of motion and shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI). Result: In present study shows statistically significant (p < 0.001) difference after treatment with muscle energy technique application with reduction in tightness of the Pectoralis minor muscle. Conclusion: The present study concludes that Muscle energy technique helps in reducing the Pectoralis minor tightness and thereby improving shoulder range of motion and also improving shoulder dysfunction.

Keywords: Pectoralis minor muscle; Swimmers; Shoulder dysfunction; MET.