Isokinetic performance and shoulder mobility in elite volleyball athletes from the United Kingdom

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the differences in strength and mobility of shoulder rotator muscles in the dominant and non-dominant shoulders of elite volleyball players.

Methods: Isokinetic muscle strength tests were performed at speeds of 60 and 120 degrees/s, and shoulder mobility was examined in ten players from the England national men's volleyball squad. The subjects also completed a questionnaire that included a visual prompt and analogue pain scale.

Results: The range of motion of internal rotation on the dominant side was less than that on the non-dominant side (p < 0.01). The average peak strength at 60 degrees/s external eccentric contraction was lower than that of internal concentric contraction in the dominant arm, but was higher in the non-dominant arm. Six of the ten subjects reported a shoulder problem, described as a diffuse pain located laterally on the dominant shoulder.

Conclusions: These elite volleyball players had a lower range of motion (internal rotation) and relative muscle imbalance in the dominant compared with the non-dominant shoulder.