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. 2025 Feb 1;60(2):161-169.
doi: 10.4085/1062-6050-0413.24.

Nontraumatic Shoulder Pain Affects Proprioception and Dynamic Stability in Female High School Volleyball Players

Yasuaki Mizoguchi  1   2 , Kenta Suzuki  2 , Seita Hasegawa  2 , Naoki Shimada  3 , Fumihiko Kimura  2 , Toby Hall  4 , Kiyokazu Akasaka  1
Affiliations

Nontraumatic Shoulder Pain Affects Proprioception and Dynamic Stability in Female High School Volleyball Players

Yasuaki Mizoguchi et al. J Athl Train. .

Abstract

Context: Nontraumatic shoulder pain (NSP) is common in volleyball, affecting performance and well-being. It is more prevalent in female players. Previous studies lack comprehensive assessments of shoulder pain that consider multiple factors, including range of motion, muscle strength, joint position sense, dynamic stability, and volleyball-specific mechanics.

Objective: To investigate NSP prevalence in female high school volleyball players, considering shoulder joint functional parameters and volleyball-specific factors.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: High school gymnasiums.

Patients or other participants: Fifty-nine female high school volleyball players (15-17 years).

Main outcome measure(s): Demographic data, environmental factors (years of experience, spiking technique, and serve type), shoulder joint function (passive glenohumeral joint's range of motion, muscle strength, joint position sense, and dynamic stability), and NSP prevalence during spiking and serving. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify significant factors associated with NSP.

Results: Nontraumatic shoulder pain prevalence was 54.2%, with 68.8% not informing coaches. Significant associations were found between NSP and factors such as Upper Quarter Y-Balance Test-Medial (P = .008; odds = 0.892; 95% confidence interval = 0.82, 0.97) and joint position sense of internal rotation (P = .031; odds = 1.411; 95% confidence interval = 1.03, 1.93).

Conclusion: Shoulder pain leads to impaired proprioception and dynamic stability. Effective communication between players and coaches is crucial for managing and preventing pain. Targeted training programs to enhance proprioception and dynamic stability may reduce shoulder pain and injuries. Educating players on the importance of reporting pain and encouraging early intervention is essential.

Keywords: adolescent; injury prevention; joint position sense; neuromuscular control; overhead sports.

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