Effects of the shoulder horn and lightweight dumbbell training on shoulder external rotators

Abstract

[Purpose]: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a strength training program using a shoulder horn and lightweight dumbblells on the shoulder external rotators. [Subjects]: Twety healthy adults were randomly assigned either to an experimental group (shoulder horn and dumbbell training) or control group (dumbbell training). [Methods]: Subjects were pre- and post-tested in maximal external rotation torque of the shoulder at 60°/sec and 180°/sec using an isokinetic dynamometer. The experimental group lifted dumbbells with the shoulder at 90° abduction and the elbow at 90° flexion using shoulder horn. The control group lifted dumbbells with the shoulder at 90° abduction and the elbow at 90° flexion. Both groups received training three times per week for three weeks. Performance was assessed by recording the mean peak torque value. [Results]: The experimental group exhibited a significant gain on the right side at 60°/sec (p<0.05). The overall gain of mean peak torque in the experimental group was 148% greater than that of the control group. [Conclusion]: These results suggest that the combined use of a shoulder horn and dumbbells in strength training is more effective than the use of dumbbells alone.