The Relationship Between Endurance Of Periscapular Muscles, Anaerobic Performance And Agility In Professional Athletes

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify relationships between endurance of periscapular muscle, anaerobic performance and agility in professional athletes. Methods: 70 professional basketball, volleyball, and handball players (male: 25 female: 45 age 20.41±5.72, BMI: 21.70±2.51) were included to this study. Anaerobic performance was assessed with vertical jump test. Periscapular muscles endurance was evaluated using scapular muscle endurance test and agility was measured hexagonal obstacle test. Statistical analysis was performed using the statistical software SPSS 22. Results: Spearman correlation analysis results showed that there was positive significant correlation between anaerobic performance and endurance of periscapular muscles (p<0.05 r=0.341). A negative significant relationship was demonstrated between anaerobic performance and agility (p<0.05 r=-0.332), and between agility and endurance of periscapular muscles (p<0.05 r=-0.334). Discussion: The scapula acts as an axis, transmitting the power and high energy of the lower extremities and trunk to the upper extremities. The muscles surrounding the scapula provide proximal stability for the upper extremity and act as a fix while the distal part is moving. When weakness of scapular musculature has occurred, normal scapular positioning and mechanics may be altered. Therefore, scapular stabilization failure may lead to poor anaerobic performance. These results indicate that periscapular muscle endurance affects anaerobic and agility performance in sports.