Cervical Exercises for Shoulder Motion and Strength
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores how certain neck exercises, specifically cervical retraction exercises, might affect shoulder movement and strength in college baseball pitchers. Researchers aim to determine if these exercises help pitchers maintain their shoulder's range of motion and strength after pitching. The study includes two groups: one performs the neck exercises, while the other does not, allowing for a comparison of results. This trial suits overhead throwers over 18 who experience no pain while pitching at their usual intensity. As an unphased trial, it offers participants the chance to contribute to innovative research that could enhance athletic performance.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It focuses on exercises for shoulder motion and strength.
What prior data suggests that these cervical exercises are safe for collegiate baseball pitchers?
Research has shown that cervical retraction exercises are generally safe. One study found that these exercises improved neck alignment and significantly reduced neck pain, indicating good tolerance. Another review found that such exercise programs can reduce the risk of neck pain by 53%.
Although the current trial focuses on shoulder movement and strength, previous findings about neck safety are encouraging. These studies reported no serious side effects, suggesting a safe experience for participants.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about cervical retraction exercises for improving shoulder motion and strength because this approach focuses on the neck's role in shoulder function, which is different from traditional treatments like physical therapy targeting the shoulder directly. This exercise method could address underlying posture issues that indirectly affect shoulder mechanics, potentially offering a more holistic solution. By improving cervical alignment and reducing neck strain, this technique might enhance shoulder function and strength more effectively than standard localized treatments.
What evidence suggests that cervical exercises are effective for shoulder motion and strength?
This trial will compare cervical retraction exercises with a control group to assess their impact on shoulder motion and strength. Studies have shown that exercises to pull the neck back can improve neck alignment and significantly reduce neck pain. Evidence indicates that exercise programs can lower the risk of recurring neck pain by 53%. Although limited research directly links these neck exercises to shoulder movement and strength, similar exercises have improved shoulder blade movement. Combining neck and shoulder blade exercises has enhanced muscle tone and flexibility, which might aid shoulder function. These findings suggest that neck exercises could potentially benefit shoulder movement and strength, especially for athletes like pitchers.12367
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for collegiate baseball pitchers who are currently pain-free while throwing at their usual intensity. It's designed to see if neck exercises can help maintain shoulder movement and strength during a game.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants perform cervical retraction and extension exercises during a simulated 5-inning game
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for shoulder internal rotation range of motion and external rotation strength after the intervention
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Cervical retraction exercise
Trial Overview
The study tests whether cervical retraction/extension exercises performed between innings of a simulated 5-inning game can preserve shoulder internal rotation range of motion and external rotation strength in the pitcher's throwing arm, compared to doing no exercise.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Sacred Heart University
Lead Sponsor
Citations
Efficacy of Modified Cervical and Shoulder Retraction ...
Cervical alignment and neck pain significantly improved after undergoing the modified cervical and shoulder retraction exercise program (p≤0.001). The upper ...
Impact of Cervical Exercises During Simulated Game on ...
Researchers will compare the effects of cervical retraction/extension exercises to no exercise to see if shoulder range of motion or strength is impacted.
A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis of Randomized ...
The most recent systematic review (performed in 2018) concluded that exercise programs can reduce the risk of a new episode of neck pain by 53% ...
Effectiveness of specific scapular therapeutic exercises in ...
Only 1 study considered scapular motion as an outcome measure, revealing therapeutic exercise effectiveness to improve scapular range of motion. Conclusions.
The Effects of Combined Cervical and Scapular ...
Conclusions: There were significant improvements in muscle tone, stiffness, elasticity, pain, and cervical ROM after exercise intervention in both groups of ...
Cervical manipulation accelerates recovery and further ...
Cervical manipulation enhances the effectiveness of neck retraction exercise, which promotes rapid recovery from neck pain and stiffness.
The effects of shoulder stabilization exercises on muscle ...
During detraining, shoulder protraction, muscle strength, proprioception and upper extremity performance showed longer-term improvement with SE ...
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