Effect of Forearm Supination and Pronation on Median & Ulnar Nerve Conduction Velocity Among Throwers, Archers, and Non-Athletes

ABSTRACT

The distinct and specialized movements performed in different sports disciplines may significantly influence nerve performance, potentially affecting nerve responses and the overall function within the respective athletic activities. The purpose of this study is to find the effect of forearm supination and pronation across the elbow joint on ulnar and median nerve conduction velocity (NCV) in throwers, archers, and non-athletes. A total of 34 participants both male and females were recruited with a body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m². Nerve conduction study (NeuroStim NS2 EMG/NCV/EP System) was used for measuring ulnar and median NCV across the elbow joint at different angles with the forearm in supination and pronation. Repeated measure analysis of variance (RMANOVA) revealed that there are statistically significant differences in mean values of forearm positions, angles, nerves and groups (p < .05). This study illuminates distinctive NCV variations across diverse athletic groups during forearm supination and pronation movements. Pronation consistently exhibited faster ulnar NCV compared to the median nerve across throwers, archers, and non-athletes, while in supination specific joint positions revealed notable differences within sports groups and nerve function.

KEY WORDS:

• Athletic performance
• forearm pronation
• forearm supination
• neuromuscular function
• sports injuries

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank all the players, team physiotherapists, and coaches who contributed to the data collection.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Authors’ Contribution

All authors contributed to the fulfillment of the study.

Additional information

Funding

 The authors would like to express their heartful regards to the MYAS-GNDU Department of Sports Sciences and Medicine for providing funding for conducting this study.