Shoulder muscle imbalance as a risk factor for shoulder injury in elite badminton players: A prospective study.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the impact of preseason shoulder testing on the risk of significant shoulder injury (SSI) in elite badminton players.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Secondary care, academic medical center.

PARTICIPANTS

Nineteen elite badminton players (19.37 ± 4.79 years, n = 13 males).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: At preseason, they had shoulder examination tests including the table-to-acromion distance and the glenohumeral rotation range of motion. The glenohumeral internal rotation deficit (GIRD) was calculated. Isokinetic internal and external rotator shoulder muscle strength was tested at 60°/s (concentric and eccentric modes) and 240°/s (concentric mode). Bilateral strength ratio (non-dominant:dominant) and unilateral agonist:antagonist conventional and functional ratios (FR: eccentric-to-concentric) were calculated.

RESULTS

During the follow-up time of 38 weeks, SSIs were assessed by an experienced sport physician and 42% of the participants sustained at least one SSI at their dominant side. The preseason GIRD and FR at 240°/s (FR240) were independently associated with SSIs (G2 = 6.28, p = .012 and G2 = 6.23, p = .013, respectively). FR240 < 0.69 (odds ratio = 28.0) and GIRD> 14° (odds ratio = 36.14) were predictors for SSIs.

CONCLUSIONS

Lower functional deceleration ratio and greater GIRD are associated with a higher risk of SSI at the dominant side in elite badminton players.