Core Strength, Balance and Scapular Dyskinesia in Upper Extremity Sports: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to assess the effect of scapular dyskinesia on core strength and upper extremity dynamic balance. Materials and Methods: The study included 49 volunteer participants who were active volleyball or basketball players at XX University Faculty of Sport Sciences. The presence of dyskinesia in the study was assessed with the Lateral Scapular Slide Test; core strength was assessed with the Modified Side Plank Test and the Biering-Sorenson Test; and, upper extremity balance was evaluated with the Upper Quarter Y-Balance Test (YBT-UQ). Independent groups t-test and Mann Whitney U test were used to compare independent group differences. Results: While 17 (34.7%) athletes had scapular dyskinesia, 32 (65.3%) did not have scapular dyskinesia. In athletes without dyskinesia, Modified Side Plank Test scores and dominant YBT-UQ total scores, and non-dominant YBT-UQ total scores were statistically higher than those with scapular dyskinesia (p0.05). Conclusion: Based on the present results, it is recommended to include exercises for developing balance and core muscles to provide scapular stabilization in the training of the upper extremity sports.