The effect of an ischemia-supported rehabilitation program on strength and range of motion in tennis players with soft tissue injuries to the scapula.Dr. Mustafa Mohammed Ali FarhanUniversity of Wasit, College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences

Abstract

         Modern methods in sports rehabilitation are among the most important approaches adopted by many specialists in this field, striving to keep pace with the latest advancements. The researcher therefore employed one such method, ischemic therapy, a technique for restricting venous blood flow. The significance of this research lies in its focus on rehabilitating muscle strength and range of motion in athletes with soft tissue injuries of the scapula. This is achieved through the development of a rehabilitation program that ensures the swift return of these injured athletes to training and competition with their peers. Consequently, the research aimed to develop a rehabilitation program supported by ischemic therapy and to identify its impact on the strength and range of motion of tennis players with soft tissue injuries of the scapula. The researcher hypothesized that there would be statistically significant differences in strength and range of motion between pre- and post-tests for tennis players with soft tissue injuries of the scapula. Regarding methodology, the researcher adopted a single-group experimental approach with pre- and post-tests, deemed suitable for the nature of the research problem. The research population consisted of tennis players from Baghdad clubs, and the research sample was selected from amon. The researcher, through the comprehensive enumeration method (7).Two players with soft tissue tears of the scapula were examined by a specialist using modern equipment such as X-rays and MRI. After these examinations, it was confirmed that three players did not have soft tissue injuries of the scapula, but rather injuries different from those the researcher was investigating. Therefore, the research sample consisted of four players with moderate injuries, according to the doctor's diagnosis. The researcher then selected two players from this sample for a pilot study. After reviewing several studies and scientific sources, the researcher identified the research variables and selected appropriate tests. These variables were determined to be ranges of motion and muscle strength of the muscles acting on the shoulder joint. The researcher used several devices and instruments to measure these variables. A pilot study           was conducted to confirm the research plan, followed by pre-tests for the research sample. The main study was then conducted with twelve players. The week-long program included three-day rehabilitation sessions for each participant, scheduled according to a pre-arranged timetable to accommodate the varying attendance of participants. The researcher utilized several devices and tools throughout the program to expedite the rehabilitation process. Following the program's completion, the researcher conducted post-tests to compile the results into statistical tables for analysis and discussion. These results revealed significant differences among the participants, favoring the post-test scores. The researcher concluded that the rehabilitation program, enhanced with ischemia, played a significant role in improving soft tissue injuries in tennis players. The exercises incorporated into the program, combined with the ischemia technique, demonstrated a clear improvement in range of motion and muscle strength in the affected joint. The researcher recommends applying this method to other types of injuries, after confirming the findings of medical examinations, and selecting joints other than the shoulder to determine the effectiveness of such methods in facilitating a return to competition