Comparison of shoulder range of motion, strength, and upper quarter dynamic balance between NCAA division I overhead athletes with and without a history of shoulder injury. (March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kim, Youngwook; Lee, Jung-Min; Wellsandt, Elizabeth; Rosen, Adam B.
• Is Part Of: Physical therapy in sport. Volume 42(2020)
• Page Start: 53
• Page End: 60
• Publication Date: 2020-03
• Subjects: Shoulder injuries -- Injury history -- Range of motion -- Strength -- Dynamic balance -- Athletes; 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.2019.12.007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1466-853X

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: To determine differences in shoulder range of motion, strength, and upper quarter dynamic balance between collegiate overhead athletes with and without a history of a shoulder injury. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Athletic training clinic. Participants: 58 overhead athletes who were fully participating in NCAA Division I overhead sports (baseball, softball, volleyball, and tennis) and free of any current shoulder injury were included. Participants were divided into a shoulder injury history group (n = 25) and uninjured group (n = 33). Participants in the shoulder injury history group had a previously resolved shoulder injury. Main outcome measures: Active range of motion assessments for shoulder internal rotation, external rotation, and horizontal adduction. Isometric strength assessments for shoulder IR and ER. The Upper Quarter Y-Balance Test. Results: The shoulder injury history group demonstrated a lower Upper Quarter Y-Balance Test mean score in the superolateral direction ( p = .03, d = 0.56), but no group differences existed for other results ( p > .05). Conclusions: Overhead athletes with a history of shoulder injury had worse upper quarter dynamic balance versus those without the history. From a clinical perspective, the findings may have significant implications for developing shoulder re-injury prevention and rehabilitation protocols in relation to their shoulder injury history. Highlights: The physical characteristics of collegiate overhead athletes with and without a history of shoulder injury were compared. There was no difference in shoulder range of motion or strength between those with and without a history of shoulder injury. Poor upper quarter dynamic balance was associated with a history of shoulder injury.