Author(s): Prachita Walankar and Mansha Momin

Abstract:
Cricket is a global non-contact sport which requires physical fitness, skill and strategy. Scapular control is a requisite for the mobility and stability of the shoulder complex and to optimize the performance of a cricketer. The aim of this study was to compare the static scapula position in cricketers and healthy age-matched controls. A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted in 130 participants. Of which, there were sixty-five male cricketers and sixty-five healthy age matched males in the age group of 18 to 25 years. Cricketers who are currently playing for more than 1 year without any upper extremity or spine pain or injury, history of any shoulder surgery or current illness were recruited. Scapula position was measured using Lateral scapular slide test in both cricketers and healthy individuals. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS Statistics version 16.0. The mean age of male cricketers and healthy males was 20.11 ± 3.88 and 23.05 ± 4.27 years respectively. The comparison of mean values of scapula position between male cricketers and healthy males evaluated using unpaired t test was statistically significant (p = 0.000) in all the three test positions of Lateral scapular slide test. It was noted that the mean value was higher in cricketers as compared to the normal subjects. Static scapula position was impaired in male cricketers as compared to healthy individuals. Scapular stabilization exercises should be incorporated in cricketers during the training phase to prevent any musculoskeletal injury.

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