Association between shoulder proprioception and muscle strength in water polo players

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the association between shoulder proprioception and shoulder rotators strength in water polo players. Twenty male water polo players aged 20.2 ± 2.3y participated in the study. Shoulder proprioception was evaluated by assessing joint position sense (JPS) at 30 ◦ of external rotation and at 30 ◦ of internal rotation. Shoulder external and internal rotators concentric and eccentric muscle strength was evaluated isokinetically at 120 ◦ /s. JPS acuity at 30 ◦ of external rotation (4.7 (3.5 ◦ )) was similar to that observed at 30 ◦ of internal rotation (4.0 (5.3 ◦ )). The external/internal rotators strength ratio were 0.67 (0.23) and 0.66 (0.18), respectively for concentric and eccentric efforts while the dynamic control ratio was 0.69 (0.16). Negative and significant correlations were found between relative error at 30 ◦ of external rotation and concentric and eccentric external rotators PT:r = �0.445 and r = �0.483, respectively, and the eccentric strength ratio of the external to internal rotators (r = �0.505). In addition the dynamic control ratio was lower than the recommended values for overhead athletes, which may expose/predispose the players to shoulder injury.