PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT IN SURFERS: GUIDELINES FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS - PART 1 UPPER QUARTER

In Brazil, surfing has gained popularity in recent decades, driven by beautiful beaches, good wave conditions and the spirit of adventure that permeates Brazilian culture, but also increasing the risk of injuries. During surfing, the surfer spends most of the time lying prone on the board while paddling, placing heavy demands on the musculoskeletal system in the cervical and lumbar spine, as well as in the shoulder region, which are important points for complaints of chronic injuries among surfers. The objective of the present study was to update musculoskeletal assessment of the upper quarter, related to physical examination and functional tests that can be applied to surfers. This is an update study based on an integrative review through a bibliographical survey in which national and international journals indexed in the scientific databases Scielo and PubMed were evaluated, developed and analyzed by a group of experts in the area of surf medicine and health composed of physical educator, physiotherapists and sports doctors. This guideline study compiled important information regarding the prevalence of upper quarter musculoskeletal injuries in surfers, guiding the surfer's outpatient assessment, considering the specificity of the sport and biomechanical gesture involved. <b><i>Level of Evidence III; Expert opinion.</i></b>