The progression of shoulder functional profile in male rugby union players from the academy to the professional level.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the changes in shoulder functions with age, playing position, dominance and injury history in elite male rugby union players.

DESIGN

Observational.

SETTING

Sport setting.

PARTICIPANTS

162 players in U16, U18, U21 and professional squads.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Participant-reported outcome measures, maximal isometric internal and external rotation strength at glenohumeral joint, stability using Upper Quarter Y-Balance Test, power using Seated Single-Arm Horizontal Push Test (SSAHPT), and speed, power and resistance-to-fatigue using modified-Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test.

RESULTS

The strength (η2 = [0.24; 0.25]; p < 0.001) and power (η2 = [0.36; 0.47]; p < 0.001) increased with increase in age, while stability and resistance-to-fatigue remained similar, and speed abilities decreased at professional level (η2 = 0.10; p < 0.001). The forwards' shoulders were stronger (η2 = [0.02; 0.14]; p = [<0.001; 0.02]) and more powerful (η2 = 0.12; p < 0.001) than those of backs, while backs' shoulders presented higher speed abilities (η2 = 0.22; p < 0.001) and resistance-to-fatigue (η2 = 0.04; p = 0.02). No bilateral differences were found, except for SSAHPT, for which dominant side presented higher performance than nondominant one (η2 = 0.12; p < 0.001). The injury history only affected the perceived functions (η2 = [0.15; 0.18]; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Understanding the progression of shoulder functions in male rugby union players is useful for designing injury prevention and performance enhancement programs from the academy to professional levels.