@article{Prinold:2015:10.1016/j.jsams.2015.08.002,
author = {Prinold, JA and Bull, AM},
doi = {10.1016/j.jsams.2015.08.002},
journal = {Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport},
pages = {629--635},
title = {Scapula kinematics of pull-up techniques: avoiding impingement risk with training changes},
url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2015.08.002},
volume = {19},
year = {2015}
}

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TY  - JOUR
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Overhead athletic activities and scapula dyskinesia are linked with shoulder pathology; pull-ups are a common training method for some overhead sports. Different pull-up techniques exist: anecdotally some are easier to perform, and others linked to greater incidences of pathology. This study aims to quantify scapular kinematics and external forces for three pull-up techniques, thus discussing potential injury implications. DESIGN: An observational study was performed with eleven participants (age=26.8±2.4 years) who regularly perform pull-ups. METHODS: The upward motions of three pull-up techniques were analysed: palms facing anterior, palms facing posterior and wide-grip. A skin-fixed scapula tracking technique with attached retro-reflective markers was used. RESULTS: High intra-participant repeatability was observed: mean coefficients of multiple correlations of 0.87-1.00 in humerothoracic rotations and 0.77-0.90 for scapulothoracic rotations. Standard deviations of hand force was low: <5% body weight. Significantly different patterns of humerothoracic, scapulothoracic and glenohumeral kinematics were observed between the pull-up techniques. The reverse technique has extreme glenohumeral internal-external rotation and large deviation from the scapula plane. The wide technique has a reduced range of pro/retraction in the same HT plane of elevation and 90° of arm abduction with 45° external rotation was observed. All these factors suggest increased sub-acromial impingement risk. CONCLUSIONS: The scapula tracking technique showed high repeatability. High arm elevation during pull-ups reduces sub-acromial space and increases pressure, increasing the risk of impingement injury. Wide and reverse pull-ups demonstrate kinematics patterns linked with increased impingement risk. Weight-assisted front pull-ups require further investigation and could be recommended for weaker participants.
AU  - Prinold,JA
AU  - Bull,AM
DO  - 10.1016/j.jsams.2015.08.002
EP  - 635
PY  - 2015///
SN  - 1440-2440
SP  - 629
TI  - Scapula kinematics of pull-up techniques: avoiding impingement risk with training changes
T2  - Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2015.08.002
UR  - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26383875
UR  - http://hdl.handle.net/10044/1/26819
VL  - 19
ER  - 

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