Influence of Rugby Practice on Shoulder Internal and External Rotators Strength

P. Edouard; N. Frize; P. Calmels; P. Samozino; M. Garet; F. Degache

doi:10.1055/s-0029-1237391

International Journal of Sports Medicine, Inhaltsverzeichnis

Int J Sports Med 2009; 30(12): 863-867
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1237391

Training & Testing

Influence of Rugby Practice on Shoulder Internal and External Rotators Strength

P. Edouard¹ ^, ² , N. Frize³ , P. Calmels¹ ^, ² , P. Samozino² , M. Garet² , F. Degache¹ ^, ²

¹Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University Hospital of Saint-Etienne, Jean Monnet University, Saint-Etienne, France
²Exercise Physiology Laboratory (LPE EA 4338), Jean Monnet University, Saint-Etienne, France
³Institute of Formation in Physical Therapy, Saint Michel, Saint-Etienne, France

Abstract

Shoulder injuries are frequent in rugby, and muscular deficiency and/or imbalance of the internal (IR) and external (ER) shoulder rotators are considered as probable mechanisms of shoulder injuries. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the rotators strength imbalances occur in rugby players by comparing IR and ER strength and ER/IR ratios between rugby players (RP) and nonathletic subjects. Fourteen RP and 19 healthy nonathletic subjects were evaluated in this cross-sectional controlled study with a Con-Trex^® dynamometer. IR and ER isokinetic strength were performed at 60°. s⁻¹ and 240°. s⁻¹ in concentric, and 60°. s⁻¹ in eccentric, for both sides. Strength values were higher for RP than nonathletic ones (p<0.05), but if peak torque was normalised to body weight, there were no significant differences. There was no significant effect of laterality on the IR and ER peak torque, and no significant influence of rugby and/or laterality on the ER/IR ratio. In conclusions, our results reported no rotators muscles imbalance in RP as a possible risk factor of glenohumeral injury.

Key words

shoulder - isokinetic - strength imbalance - injury prevention - rugby

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Referenzen

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Correspondence

Dr. P. Edouard

Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

University Hospital of Saint-Etienne

Hôpital Bellevue

42055 Saint Etienne

France

Telefon: +33/67/457 46 91

Fax: +33/47/712 77 72

eMail: Pascal.edouard42@gmail.com