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.

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.