Abstract:
Purpose 1. To study the effects of scapular muscle training on smash performance in badminton athletes. 2. To compare the racket velocity during smash between the experimental group and control group Methods The sample consisted of 16 badminton players between the ages of 14-18, both males and females. Cluster Random Sampling was divided into 2 groups, 8 persons each group. The control group practicing regular badminton whereas the experimental group perform regular badminton training together with supplementing the scapula muscle training program for 3 days per week for 6 weeks. Test the strength of the scapula muscles, shoulder angular velocity and the badminton racket velocity before and after trained. Compare the average and standard deviation before and after training and between groups by testing the t values. The level of statistically significant difference for analyses was set at p <0.05. Results Before the training, the mean values of age, height, body weight and racket velocity during smash were not different between the experimental group and control group. Before and after training, both groups had a significant increase in the strength of the scapula muscles. However, the experimental group showed a significant increase in the racket velocity (p = 0.018). Additionally, the experimental group showed a significant increase in the strength of the scapula muscles in both Middle trapezius, Lower trapezius and Rhomboid muscles (p = 0.01, 0.01 and 0.02 respectively). Even though the angular velocity of the shoulder joint and the racket velocity were not increased significantly (p = 0.47 and 0.09 respectively). Conclusion Both groups improve scapular muscle strength. When receiving the scapula muscle training program, resulting in the scapular muscle strength and the racket velocity increases significantly. However, the scapular muscle strength does not result in increased angular velocity of the shoulder joint but there is an increase in the racket velocity. Due to the factors in controlling the racket velocity should be a factor other than the angular velocity of the shoulder joint.