Crossed Education in Relation to Muscle Mass in Patients Operated of Clavicular Fracture

The immobilization process after an operation or injury in the upper extremity causes a loss of muscle mass and strength of 0.2% and 1.3% per day, respectively. Currently, the use of cross-education, which is unilateral training in the uninjured limb, during the immobilization period, is expanding, demonstrating a magnitude of strength gain in the immobilized limb from 8% to 77% of the mean of strength of the trained limb. Despite the evidenced benefits of cross-education in unilateral injuries such as distal radius fracture, anterior cruciate ligament injury, and knee replacement, very little is known about this effect in shoulder immobilization after clavicle fracture.

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of cross-education training through eccentric strength exercises compared to concentric-eccentric after the 6-week immobilization period and after 12 postoperative weeks in relation to muscle mass, strength, and functionality in patients operated of clavicular fracture. Hypothesis: Cross-education training through eccentric strength exercises produces greater effects compared to concentric-eccentric training during the immobilization period and after 12 postoperative weeks, in relation to muscle mass, strength and functionality in patients operated for clavicle fracture. Methodology: An experimental, randomized, single-blind study will be carried out, in which 39 men from 18 to 40 years of age will be recruited, who are awaiting surgery for clavicle fracture. They will be divided into three groups: control group (Standard Kinesic Therapy 12 weeks after immobilization of 6 weeks, n=13), concentric-eccentric group (concentric-eccentric strength training in the uninjured limb during the 6-week immobilization period + Standard Kinesics Therapy, n=13) and group eccentric (eccentric strength training on the uninjured limb during the 6-week immobilization period + Standard Kinesics Therapy, n=13). Expected results: It is expected to observe a gain in muscle mass and strength in the trained limb and a maintenance/gain of muscle mass and strength in the groups that perform cross-training during the immobilization period, presenting the greatest benefit in the group that performs training eccentric force.