Does the Application of a Lycra Arm Sleeve Change Shoulder Biomechanics in Young Healthy People? A Mechanistic Study

Introduction: Glenohumeral subluxation (GHS) is commonly reported in people with stroke. Lycra sleeves provide a compressive and supportive effect, influencing the neuromuscular activity in the affected body segment. A recent study reported reduction in GHS (acromion-greater tuberosity [AGT] distance) after application of Lycra arm sleeve; however, its mechanism on the shoulder region as a whole is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate if application of a Lycra sleeve changes the AGT distance, muscle activity around the shoulder region, and scapular position. Methods: Healthy participants aged older than 18 years were recruited. Measurements were taken before and immediately after application of the sleeve. Portable diagnostic ultrasound, surface electromyography, and a tape measure were used to measure AGT distance, muscle activity (biceps, triceps, deltoid, and supraspinatus), and position of the scapula, respectively. Results: Thirty-one participants (11 men, 20 women) with mean age 25 +/- 10 years participated. Paired test showed significant mean reduction of 0.12 cm (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.07-0.16 cm) in AGT distance measurements (t = 5.112, df = 30, P = 0.003) and scapula measurements (0.3 cm; 95% CI, 0.04-0.4 cm; t = 2.501; df = 30, P < 0.01) when compared without and with sleeve application. Conclusions: Future research should investigate the effects of the Lycra sleeve on people with GHS in the different phases of rehabilitation.