The relationship between pectoralis minor length, scapular muscle endurance and core endurance in athletes

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to identify relationships between core endurance, scapular muscle endurance and pectoralis minor length in athletes. METHODS: 69 professional athletes in different branches (44 men, 25 women, mean age 20.41±5.72, height 176.0±0.1, and weight 68.2±12.8) were included to this study. Pectoralis minor length was measured in supine. In this position linear distance from treatment table to posterior aspect of the acromion was measured. Core endurance was evaluated using Mcgill Core Endurance Tests. Scapular muscle endurance was assessed with scapular endurance test. Statistical analysis was performed using the statistical software SPSS. RESULTS: Spearman correlation analysis results showed that there was correlation between pectoralis minor length and scapular muscle endurance (r=0.281, p<0.05). A positive correlation was found between pectoralis minor length and core endurance (r= 0.517, p<0.05). There was correlation between scapular muscle endurance and core endurance (r=0.524, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, it was shown that there were statistically significant relationship between pectoralis minor length, scapular muscle endurance and core endurance. Pectoralis minor length affects scapula biomechanics. Change in scapula biomechanics may cause reduction in scapular muscle endurance. It may affect core endurance via kinetic chain. Therefore, it can be suggested pectoralis minor stretching should be integrated to normal sports specific training programmes in professional athletes.