The relationship between upper limb neuromuscular control and injury risk and stability in shooters

The aim of this study was investigate the relationship between upper limb neuromuscular control and injury risk and stability in shooters. 31 athletes who have been shooting with air pistol or pistol for minimum 1 month, and are registered to Shooting and Hunting Federation of Turkey were included in the study. The demographic characteristics of the athletes were questioned. Neuromuscular control was assessed by using upper extremity closed kinetic chain stability test. Supine, prone and lateral bridge tests were used to assess core stability of athletes. Body temperature of the cervicothoracic region of the athletes was measured by FLIR-E5 thermal camera (FLIR Systems OU, Estonia). The maximum temperature and the muscles that shown the maximum temperature was recorded. A positive statistical relationship (p<0.05) between upper extremity neuromuscular controls and right and left lateral core stabilities was detected. A relationship between upper extremity neuromuscular controls and facedown and supine position core stabilities (p>0.05) can not be detected. The cervicothoracic areal maximum thermal values observed from the warmest through coldest areas namely at upper trapezius muscle, rhomboid, supraspinatus, and infraspinatus at the right and left sides. A meaningful relationship between the Atheles' left upper scale cervicothoracic areas' maximum temperatures and facedown core stabilities is detected (p<0.05). A relationship between upper right scale maximum temperatures and core stabilities (p>0.05) can not be detected. Consequently, it can be argued that the upper extremity controls can be affected by the core stability and the upper trapezius muscle can be responsible for upper extremity injuries. As a result, when the physiotherapists evaluate and prescribe exercises to athletes, they should use methods that includes upper trapezius muscle and stability assessments. Keywords: Shooters, Neuromuscular Control, Stability, Injury Risk. This thesis study has been conducted by the approval of Baskent University Medicine and Health Sciences Research and Ethical Committee (KA19/127).