Isokinetic profile of elbow and shoulder muscle strength of seated throwers

Abstract

Throwing events such as discus, shot put, and javelin involve repetitive and explosive overhead activities in a short period, which increases the risk of upper extremity injuries. Furthermore, the available data on seated throwers are inadequately documented. Thus, this study aims to (1) describe the muscle strength profiles of shoulder external and internal rotators and the elbow flexors and extensors in seated throwers, and (2) identify the differences in muscle strength between seated throwers competing at international levels and those at national levels. Twenty-one seated throwers participated in this study, including twelve at the international level and nine at the national level. We conducted isokinetic shoulder strength tests for shoulder internal rotation (IR), shoulder external rotation (ER), elbow flexion (EF), and elbow extension (EE) on the dominant side of the para-athletes using a Biodex isokinetic dynamometer at speeds of 60°/s and 300°/s. An independent t-test was utilized to assess the differences between international and national-level para-athletes. Except for total work (TW) at 60°/s and average power (AP) at 300°/s, the IR variables of the international group were significantly higher than those of the national group (p < 0.001). Additionally, some EF variables of the international group, including peak torque (PT) and TW at 60°/s, and PT, AP, and TW at 300°/s, were higher than those of the national group (p < 0.05, p < 0.01). The findings of this study are important for developing training programs, enhancing performance, and preventing injuries among seated throwers.