Semester

Spring

Date of Graduation

2006

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MS

College

College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences

Department

Athletic Training

Committee Chair

Michelle A. Sandrey.

Abstract

Context. Brachial plexus neuropathies are prevalent within wrestling. Objective. The purpose was to examine possible predisposing factors to brachial plexus neuropathy. Design. This study was a prospective longitudinal study. Setting. An athletic training room at an Eastern Wrestling League University (EWL). Patients and other participants. Twenty-three collegiate wrestlers ranging in age from 19.83 +/- 1.62 years volunteered to participate. Interventions. Neck strength, Head-neck segment, Head-neck length, and neck girth were measured. Previous history and number of years of wrestling were measured using a questionnaire. Main outcome measures. Neck strength and previous history may predispose wrestlers to brachial plexus neuropathy. Results. There was a main effect for neck strength in the directions of right and left lateral flexion for Time. All other analyses were not significant. Conclusion. Trends indicate that a larger sample size may allow effects to be noted. Further research is necessary to examine these possible effects.

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