Program Description
"Subacromial Impingement Syndrome (SIS) accounts for 46% of shoulder-related orthopedic complaints and is the leading secondary morbidity following breast cancer, yet the etiology of its progression remains poorly understood. While healthy scapular mechanics are essential for preventing SIS, breast tissue changes during cancer treatment may induce pathological kinematics. This study investigates the influence of breast mass augmentation on scapular kinematics to clarify whether mass contributes to the mechanical alterations associated with SIS. These findings will inform future rehabilitative and preventative strategies.
Major: Exercise and Health Science; Minor: Biology and Chemistry
I am a senior Exercise and Health Science major at Willamette University with the ultimate goal of becoming an orthopedic surgeon. My research focus on breast tissue impact on shoulder health in women started from a personal journey with shoulder impingement that lead to two surgeries, ultimately altering my athletic career. This experience led to a new found interest in shoulder mechanics. During my freshman year in Advanced Anatomy, I learned about a significant gap in medical literature regarding female-specific shoulder mechanics. I was astounded by the lack of research done on female health regarding anatomical differences between sexes resulting in alterations in movement
Faculty sponsor: Lucas Ettinger"