Concentric exercise-induced fatigue of the shoulder impairs proprioception but not motor control or performance in healthy young adults.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effect of concentric fatigue on proprioception, motor control and performance of the shoulder in healthy young adults.

DESIGN

Test-retest experimental design.

SETTING

Human performance laboratory.

PARTICIPANTS

20 healthy adults.

MAIN OUTCOME MEAUSURE(S): Proprioception was assessed using the joint repositioning sense (JRS) and the threshold to detection of passive movement (TTDPM). Motor control was assessed using the Y-balance Upper Quarter test (YBT-UQ) and performance using the Athletic Shoulder test (ASH test). All tests were conducted before and immediately after fatigue intervention (CON/CON protocol).

RESULTS

Following fatigue, absolute angular error (AAE) was significantly increase by 160.27 %. Moreover, there was a significant increase (48.41 %) in TTDPM after fatigue. Furthermore there was no significant differences in motor control and performance before and after fatigue intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Since muscular fatigue negatively affects shoulder proprioception, it is essential to assess proprioception before and after fatigue to detect any dysfunctions that may arise as a result of fatigue. To address these dysfunctions, it is recommended to engage in proprioceptive exercises under situations of fatigue in order to enhance the sensitivity of the mechanoreceptors.