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

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.

Keywords: Athletes; Dynamic balance; Injury history; Range of motion; Shoulder injuries; Strength.