Relationship Between Two Upper Extremity Functional Performance Tests And Shoulder And Trunk Muscle Strength

In contrast to the lower extremity, data concerning upper extremity (UE) functional performance tests (FPT) are more limited. PURPOSE: To determine the relationship of two UEFPT with shoulder and trunk flexion peak torque (PT) and anthropometric characteristics. METHODS: In a random order, 26 healthy, physically active men (1.80±.07m, 80.9±10.1kg 24.9±2.7yrs) completed two UE FPT and concentric isokinetic assessments for shoulder internal rotation (IR) and trunk flexion during a single session. All testing was performed using the dominant arm. The UE FPT consisted of the Underkofler Softball Throw for Distance (USTD) and a one-arm seated shot put throw (SPT). Following two submaximal and one maximal effort warm-up trials, the average of three maximum effort trials of each UE FPT were used for data analysis. Shoulder IR PT (60°/s, 180°/s, 300°/s) and trunk flexion PT (60°/s, 120°/s) were calculated across five trials at each speed. Height, mass and body mass index (BMI) were also measured. Correlational analyses were conducted between UE FPT performance, shoulder PT and trunk flexion PT, and anthropometric characteristics. RESULTS: No significant relationships were revealed with the anthropometric characteristics or trunk flexion PT; however shoulder IR PT at all speeds were moderately related to both UE FPT. CONCLUSION: Normalization to body mass, height and BMI do not appear to be necessary for either UE FPT. The USTD and SPT tests appear to moderately reflect shoulder IR force production capabilities. The lack of significant relationships with trunk flexion PT may be a function of the UE FPT requiring coupled trunk flexion and rotation simultaneously. These data support using the USTD and SPT tests as indicators of shoulder function