Abstract :
[en] Background
Volleyball players sollicit their shoulder with high velocity and high ranges of motion. Musculoskeletal adaptations have been described after some years of practice but ahev not been explored after some months of practice. The objective of this study was to analyze the short-term evolution of shoulder clinical measures and functional performance in youth competitive volleyball players.
Methods
61 volleyball players were assessed twice, at preseason and at mid-season. Shoulder internal and external rotation range of motion as well as forward shoulder posture and scapular upward rotation were measured in all players. Two functional tests were also performed: the Upper Quarter Y Balance Test and the Single Arm Medicine Ball Throw. The results obtained at mid-season were compared to those measured at preseason.
Results
Compared to preseason, an increase in absolute value of shoulder external rotation, total rotation range of motion and forward shoulder posture were observed at mid-season (p<0.001). An increase in side-to-side difference for shoulder internal rotation range of motion was also observed during the season. As for scapular kinematics, scapular upward rotation was significantly decreased at 45° and increased at 120° of abduction at mid-season. Concerning functional tests, an increase in throwing distance in the Single Arm Medicine Ball Throw was observed at mid-season while no change was noted for the Upper Quarter Y Balance Test.
Conclusions
Significant changes in clinical measures and functional performance were observed after some months of practice. Since some variables have been suggested to be correlated to a higher risk of shoulder injuries, the current study emphasizes the importance of regular screening in order to highlight injury risk profiles throughout the season.
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