The change of climbers‘ shoulder complex functional performance after application of a specialized exercise program.

Aim: to evaluate the climbers‘ shoulder complex functional performance changes after the application of a specialized exercise program. Tasks: To evaluate the changes of climbers‘ 1) shoulder complex range of motion, 2) scapular symmetry, 3) shoulder complex muscle isometric strength, 4) hand grip strength, 5) shoulder complex dynamic stability, after the application of a specialized exercise program. Methodology: 1. Questionnaire; 2. Shoulder complex range of motion testing; 3. Lateral scapular slide testing; 4. Shoulder complex muscle strength testing; 5. Hand grip strength testing; 6. Upper extremity Y balance testing. Participants: The study included 13 climbers (7 women, 6 men) attending the climbing workouts. Inclusion criteria: age more than 18 years; climbing indoor, bouldering, climbing experience more than 3 months. Women climbers age was 30.0 (26.0-41.0; 31.3) years, men – 40.0 (25.0-50.0; 38.5). Women had 48.0 (8.0-180.0; 55.1) months of climbing experience, men -24.0 (8.0-120.0; 42.3). Each participant was examined 2 times: before and after the application of a specialized exercise program. Specialized exercises program was applied for one month. It included stretching, strength/activation and proprioception exercises for shoulder complex. Each of them lasts 1 week, exercises performed 3 times per week. Conclusions: 1. It was found that just the range of extension of both shoulders in women and the left shoulder in men increased. 2. It was found that the scapular symmetry did not change in women and men. 3. It was found that just the left shoulder isometric flexion strength increased, adduction and internal rotation strength – decreased in women, and did not change in men. 4. It was found that the hand grip strength did not change in women and men. 5. It was found that both upper extremities did not change in women, but decreased just in men right upper extremity