The Effectiveness of an Exercise Program on Scapulohumeral Rhythm, Range of Motion, and Stability in Young Female Handball Players

The entire program begins with an assessment of scapulohumeral rhythm using a digital inclinometer, isometric strength testing, range of motion measurements, the Y-Balance Upper Quarter Test, and the Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test. The exercise program for the experimental group lasts eight weeks and is divided into four two-week phases with four sets of exercises targeting the dominant upper extremity only. After the initial assessment, participants will undergo scapular positioning correction for the dominant extremity. They are then introduced to the first set of exercises for the first two weeks. The handball players will be given an exercise sheet explaining each exercise, which they will complete daily after completing their assigned ten minutes of exercise. They will also be given two resistance bands to provide resistance during the assigned exercises. One band is for upper scapular rotation, while the other is for resisting

Participants in the active control group will begin the program in the same manner as the experimental group, beginning with scapulohumeral rhythm assessments using a digital inclinometer, isometric strength testing, range of motion measurements, the Y-Balance Upper Quarter Test, and the Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test. They will also follow an eight-week exercise program divided into four two-week phases with four sets of exercises targeting the dominant upper extremity only. The key difference is that the control group will not focus on correcting scapular position for upward rotation during the exercises. Specifically, they will skip the upward rotation exercises at the beginning of each set and will not incorporate the acquired upward rotation control into other movement exercises. You will also be given a resistance band to provide resistance during the assigned exercises.