Shoulder range of motion and strength in young competitive tennis players with and without history of shoulder problems. (May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gillet, Benoît; Begon, Mickaël; Diger, Marine; Berger-Vachon, Christian; Rogowski, Isabelle
• Is Part Of: Physical therapy in sport. Volume 31(2018)
• Page Start: 22
• Page End: 28
• Publication Date: 2018-05
• Subjects: Shoulder -- Overhead sport -- Flexibility -- Strength; Sports physical therapy -- Periodicals; Sports injuries -- Patients -- Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Athletic Injuries -- diagnosis -- Periodicals; Athletic Injuries -- therapy -- Periodicals; Physical Therapy -- Periodicals; Sports Medicine -- Periodicals; 615.82088796
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2018.01.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1466-853X

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: To assess the effect of a history of shoulder problems on the shoulder flexibility and strength in young competitive tennis players. Design: Cross-sectional study. Participants: Ninety-one competitive and asymptomatic tennis players aged between 8 and 15 years old were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of a history of shoulder problems. Outcome Measures: Glenohumeral joint ranges of motion and the strength of eight shoulder muscles were bilaterally assessed. Five agonist/antagonist muscle strength ratios were also reported. Ranges of motion, strengths and strength ratios were bilaterally compared between the two groups. Results: Players with a history of shoulder problems presented a higher total arc of rotation for both glenohumeral joints (p = 0.02) and a lower external/internal glenohumeral rotator muscle strength ratio (p = 0.02) for both sides. They also presented stronger upper trapezius (p = 0.03) and dominant serratus anterior (p = 0.008) muscles than players without a history of shoulder problems. Conclusion: Having a history of shoulder problems may alter the balance between mobility and stability within the shoulder complex suggesting that particular attention should be given to dominant and non-dominant shoulder functions by coaches and clinicians. Highlights: A wide range of flexibility of the glenohumeral joint. An imbalance between rotator muscles of the glenohumeral joint. An excessive strength of upper trapezius.