Youngwook Kim1, Jung-Min Lee2, Elizabeth Wellsandt3, Adam B Rosen4. 1. Department of Kinesiology and Health Science, Utah State University, 7000 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT, 84322-7000, USA. Electronic address: youngwook.kim@aggiemail.usu.edu. 2. College of Physical Education, Department of Physical Education, Kyung Hee University, 1732, Deogyeong-Daero, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, 17104, Republic of Korea. Electronic address: jungminlee@khu.ac.kr. 3. Division of Physical Therapy Education, College of Allied Health Professions, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 42nd and Emile, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA. Electronic address: elizabeth.wellsandt@unmc.edu. 4. School of Health and Kinesiology, College of Education, University of Nebraska at Omaha, 6001 Dodge Street, Omaha, NE, 68182, USA. Electronic address: arosen@unomaha.edu.
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.
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.