Comparison of Strength Ratio and Range of Motion of the Shoulder Joint in Players with Overhead Movement

The shoulder complex as one of the most moving joints of the body frequently was used by overhead sports athletes. Thus, musculoskeletal screening such as assessment of the range of motion (ROM), and strength variables can be useful to injury prevention strategies and further the development of conditioning and rehabilitation programs. The purpose of this study is to compare selected variables and the ratio of ROM and strength in volleyball, handball, and badminton players. A total of 36 athletes with similar physical characteristics (volleyball: age=26.65±4.56 y, weight=91.07±7.91 kg, height=185.14±12.25 cm; handball: age=27.29±3.12 y, weight=90.11±6.38 kg, height=183.52±9.67 cm, and badminton: age=26.01±4.29 y, weight=87.85±4.59 kg, height=182.38±10.74 cm) were selected to participate in the current study. A Leighton flex meter and hand-held dynamometer were used respectively to measure the ratio of ROM and strength.The results showed that the mean ratio of external(ER) strength to internal (IR) strength and ER ROM to IR ROM were significantly different between the three groups. The post hoc test revealed that badminton athletes had significant differences in all of the measured variables to both volleyball and handball athletes. But there were no differences between volleyball and handball athletes.In conclusion, preseason screening is vital in achieving optimal values on these measures and may reduce future shoulder injuries in overhead athletes.