Eastern Kentucky University
A Descriptive Study of Shoulder Mobility and Movement Patterns Within Law Enforcement Recruits
Grade Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Exercise Sport Science
Institution 23-24
Eastern Kentucky University
KY House District #
80
KY Senate District #
22
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Annette Monk, DAT, LAT, ATC; Michael Lane PhD, CSCS, TSA*F, USAW SPC
Department
Department of Parks, Recreation, Exercise and Sport Science; College of Health Sciences
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Police officers are required to perform tasks that increase their risk of injury. Musculoskeletal strength and proper biomechanics are needed to apprehend civilians, perform self-defense maneuvers, carry loads, and resist forces. These tasks place the glenohumeral joint at risk of dislocations, strains, and sprains. The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is an assessment tool with high inter-rater reliability that assesses mobility, stability, and movement patterns to identify those at an increased risk of injury. PURPOSE: The present study focuses on the Shoulder Mobility Movement Pattern (SMMP), an FMS test, which assesses mobility of the glenohumeral joint. METHODS: Data was collected in partnership with the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training (DOCJT). Law enforcement recruits (n=35; 32 males, 3 females, ht 69.88±4.97 m, 61.33±7.37 m, wt 92.69±16.50 kg, 79.83±21.48 kg, age 28.97±9.52 yrs, 26.33±4.93 yrs, respectively; mean±SD) were asked to complete the SSMP bilaterally. The distance between the two closest points of the hands was recorded. Hand length and dominance were documented. Recruits were assigned a numerical score of zero - three based on distance between hands: within hand length (3), within one and a half (2), longer than one and a half hands’ length (1), or zero for pain. Bilateral scoring was used to determine final score. If an asymmetry presented, the lower score was recorded as the final score. RESULTS: Final scores showed that 31.43% (n=11) of recruits presented with an asymmetry. Additionally, 5.71% of recruits scored a zero, 51.43% (n=18) scored one, 28.57% (n=10) scored two, and 14.29% scored three. CONCLUSION: Approximately 85% of recruits presented with decreased shoulder mobility. Nearly one third of recruits have an asymmetrical movement pattern. A shoulder mobility intervention program is warranted in law enforcement training. Future research should investigate mobility intervention programs within law enforcement.
A Descriptive Study of Shoulder Mobility and Movement Patterns Within Law Enforcement Recruits
INTRODUCTION: Police officers are required to perform tasks that increase their risk of injury. Musculoskeletal strength and proper biomechanics are needed to apprehend civilians, perform self-defense maneuvers, carry loads, and resist forces. These tasks place the glenohumeral joint at risk of dislocations, strains, and sprains. The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is an assessment tool with high inter-rater reliability that assesses mobility, stability, and movement patterns to identify those at an increased risk of injury. PURPOSE: The present study focuses on the Shoulder Mobility Movement Pattern (SMMP), an FMS test, which assesses mobility of the glenohumeral joint. METHODS: Data was collected in partnership with the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training (DOCJT). Law enforcement recruits (n=35; 32 males, 3 females, ht 69.88±4.97 m, 61.33±7.37 m, wt 92.69±16.50 kg, 79.83±21.48 kg, age 28.97±9.52 yrs, 26.33±4.93 yrs, respectively; mean±SD) were asked to complete the SSMP bilaterally. The distance between the two closest points of the hands was recorded. Hand length and dominance were documented. Recruits were assigned a numerical score of zero - three based on distance between hands: within hand length (3), within one and a half (2), longer than one and a half hands’ length (1), or zero for pain. Bilateral scoring was used to determine final score. If an asymmetry presented, the lower score was recorded as the final score. RESULTS: Final scores showed that 31.43% (n=11) of recruits presented with an asymmetry. Additionally, 5.71% of recruits scored a zero, 51.43% (n=18) scored one, 28.57% (n=10) scored two, and 14.29% scored three. CONCLUSION: Approximately 85% of recruits presented with decreased shoulder mobility. Nearly one third of recruits have an asymmetrical movement pattern. A shoulder mobility intervention program is warranted in law enforcement training. Future research should investigate mobility intervention programs within law enforcement.