Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Basic Science

Background: In today{u2019}s society, women have a lot of tasks at work, study, family, social events and this coupled with the use of large and heavy shoulder bags put them at a particular risk of injuries in the shoulder complex. Purpose of study: to compare the effect of carrying a unilateral shoulder bag on the dominant with non-dominant side on upper trapezius muscle fatigue, strength and shoulder function. Methods: One hundred and twenty healthy female right handed with age ranging from 20-59 were randomly assigned into two equal blocked groups. The outcome measures included, upper trapezius fatigue and strength (via hand-held dynamometer) as well as shoulder functional disability (via simple shoulder test). Both groups walked on a treadmill for five min with speed 1.1 m/s group (A) each participant carried the bag on the dominant side and group (B) each participant carried the bag on the non-dominant side. The outcome measures were collected pre and post-test. Results: The results of this study revealed that, within group comparison: There was no significant difference in ipsilateral and contralateral upper trapezius fatigue post carrying compared with pre carrying in both groups (p > 0.05), while there was a significant decrease in ipsilateral and contralateral upper trapezius strength post carrying compared with that pre carrying in both groups (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the shoulder functional disability in both groups (p > 0.05)

Issued also as CD