Risk factors for dominant‐shoulder injury in elite female Australian cricket players: A prospective study. Issue 5 (19th April 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Murphy, Myles C.; Chivers, Paola; Mahony, Kate; Mosler, Andrea B.
• Is Part Of: Translational sports medicine. Volume 3:Issue 5(2020)
• Page Start: 404
• Page End: 414
• Publication Date: 2020-04-19
• Subjects: injury prevention -- injury risk -- injury surveillance; Sports medicine -- Periodicals; Sports injuries -- Periodicals; 617.1027
• DOI: 10.1002/tsm2.158
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2573-8488

Abstract

Abstract: The objectives of this prospective cohort study were to examine the risk factors for dominant‐shoulder injury within the Australian women's national cricket league during the 2017‐2018 season. A total of 115 elite female cricketers were included with a mean (SD) age of 26.0 (4.4) years. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression determined the relationship between physical performance and musculoskeletal screening tests and dominant‐shoulder injury. Fourteen players developed dominant‐shoulder injuries (12%) throughout the season. No demographic or physical performance tests were risk factors. Univariate analysis revealed shoulder IR:ER strength ratio (OR = 1.84, P = .01), back foot hip abduction strength (OR = 0.973, P = .049), and back foot hip adduction: abduction strength ratio (OR = 1.44, P = .047) were significantly associated with injury. Only shoulder IR:ER strength ratio remained significant ( P = .016) in the multivariate logistic regression model with a 79% increased risk of shoulder injury for every 0.1 ratio increase. This study identified that within elite female cricketers, a shoulder IR:ER strength ratio >1.00 is the strongest risk factor for developing shoulder injury. Therefore, injury risk reduction programs in elite female cricketers should focus on keeping the shoulder IR: ER strength ratio closer to 1:1 to minimize shoulder injury burden.