Motor alterations along the kinetic chain in amateur volleyball and handball athletes with shoulder pain: An observational comparative study

Abstract

Overhead sports overload the shoulder complex due to movement repetition and the great amount of force created during the athletic motion, which may cause adaptations in the shoulder and lead to shoulder pain. However, overhead movements include the kinetic chain, and alterations in some of the structures throughout the kinetic chain may increase stress on the shoulder complex and be associated with shoulder pain.

Purpose: To compare kinetic chain components in overhead athletes with and without shoulder pain.

Methods: Forty-one volleyball and handball athletes (21 with and 20 without shoulder pain) were included and assessed for hip internal (IR) and external rotation (ER) range of motion (ROM), hip and trunk isometric strength, trunk endurance and neuromuscular control of the lower and upper limbs (Y balance test).

Results: Athletes with shoulder pain showed smaller IR ROM in both hips, lower endurance time for trunk extensors and flexors, decreased reach distance in the anterior and posteromedial direction, as well as a smaller composite score in the Y balance test (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Volleyball and handball athletes with shoulder pain showed changes in ROM throughout the kinetic chain in addition to lower core endurance, and decreased neuromuscular control of lower limbs.

Keywords: Physical endurance; Physical therapy; Postural balance; Range of motion.