Affiliations: [a] Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of
São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Stela M. Mattiello-Rosa,
Departamento de Fisioterapia, Universidade Federal de São Carlos,
Rodovia Washington Luis, km 235, CEP: 13565-905, São Carlos, SP, Brazil.
Tel.: +55 16 3351 8039; Fax: +55 16 3361 2081; E-mail: stela@ufscar.br
Abstract: This study compared peak torque and torque steadiness during
isometric lateral and medial rotations in workers with shoulder impingement
syndrome (SIS) and those with no upper limb disorders. Twenty-nine female
workers were evaluated. The SIS group consisted of 14 workers (36.57 ±
5.23 years) with unilateral SIS. The control group consisted of 15 healthy
workers (35.53 ± 5.46 years). Three maximal voluntary isometric
contractions (MVIC) of 5-s duration were performed to determine the peak
torque, which was used to calculate the target torque (50% MVIC). For
assessment of the torque steadiness 3 trials were performed at the target
torque for 5 s each, with visual feedback. Standard deviation (SD) and
coefficient of variation (CV) were measured from the steadiness trials. Peak
torque, SD and CV were not different (P> 0.05) between groups neither
between affected and unaffected sides of the SIS group for both rotations. It
was possible to suggest that torque steadiness, during isometric medial and
lateral rotations of the shoulder, is not altered in workers with SIS when
compared to healthy workers, and that maintenance of regular work activities
may play an important role in preservation of the steadiness in this
population.
