Shoulder overuse injury history is associated with imbalanced strength functional ratio and bilateral asymmetry in overhead male Para athletes in resting and fatigued conditions
Author Identifier (ORCID)
Anthony J. Blazevich: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1664-1614
Abstract
Objective:The present study aimed to compare shoulder functional ratio and bilateral strength asymmetry between overhead Para athletes and able-bodied peers, and ascertain whether those factors could be associated with shoulder injury history in Para athletes under resting and fatigued conditions. Design:Sixteen sitting volleyball Para athletes and 12 able-bodied volleyball players were evaluated. The shoulder functional ratio was measured at rest and after a fatiguing shoulder internal-external rotation exercise on dominant and non-dominant shoulders. Imbalanced muscle strength profiles were identified as a functional ratio <0.7 and bilateral peak torque asymmetry either >10% or >15%. All injuries incurred over the past 2-months prior testing were reported. Results:No injury was surveyed in able-bodied athletes while 9 dominant shoulder overuse injuries were reported in 9 Para athletes. Functional ratio and bilateral asymmetry were not significantly different between groups at rest or after exercise in either shoulder(p>0.05). Functional ratio <0.7 and bilateral asymmetry of either >10% or >15% were statistically associated with shoulder overuse injury history in the dominant limb in Para athletes(p<0.05), but with a higher relative risk under fatiguing-conditions(p<0.01). Conclusion:External rotator muscle conditionning should be implemented in overhead Para athlete regular training to alleviate shoulder imbalance and bilateral asymmetry, especially in fatigued conditions.
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
1-1-2025
Publication Title
American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Publisher
Wolters Kluwer
School
Centre for Human Performance / School of Medical and Health Sciences
Copyright
subscription content
Comments
Dupuy, A., Sorg, M., Morel, C., Rudewicz, A., Colin, E., Blazevich, A. J., Rance, M., & Ratel, S. (2025). Shoulder overuse injury history is associated with imbalanced strength functional ratio and bilateral asymmetry in overhead male Para athletes in resting and fatigued conditions. American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1097/PHM.0000000000002818