Core stability, shoulder peak torque and function in throwing athletes with and without shoulder pain

Abstract

ObjectiveThis study compared core stability, shoulder isokinetic peak torque and shoulder function in throwers with and without shoulder pain. DesignCross-sectional study. SettingsThrowing athletes. ParticipantsThirty healthy athletes and 21 with shoulder pain were included. Main outcome measuresEndurance time of the trunk, the modified star excursion balance test, isokinetic peak torque of internal and external rotation of the shoulder, questionnaires, level of satisfaction with the throwing arm and active range of motion. ResultsThe symptomatic athletes presented with shorter endurance time for the trunk lateral flexors (P < .05), and decreased reach distance for both limbs in the posteromedial direction (P < .05) and for takeoff limb in the posterolateral direction (P = .04), and smaller composite score for both limbs (P < .05) during star excursion balance test as compared to the healthy ones. No significant differences between groups were found for peak torque of internal and external rotation of the shoulder. Athletes with shoulder pain demonstrated more shoulder disability and a lower level of satisfaction with the throwing arm (P = .000). Range of motion was not different between groups for shoulder internal and external rotation. ConclusionThrowing athletes with shoulder pain have lower core stability and shoulder function compared to healthy athletes.