Mechanism for shoulder pain and injury in elite badminton players

Abstract

Purpose: to detect the mechanisms for shoulder pain and injury during forehand overhead stroke using the questionnaire and 2D video analysis. Methods and Materials: Participants were 48 university badminton players (aged 18-22) with national tournament level who had no current shoulder injuries. A questionnaire investigation and a forehand overhead clear test were performed. The angle of arm slot at the moment of hit was calculated from 2D videos analysis using Image J software. Data were compared between badminton players with shoulder problems and those without. Results: There were 6 badminton players reported a history of shoulder injury that all of them were offensive players. 11 badminton players (8 offensive players and 3 defensive players) reported present shoulder pain that offensive players showed 7.33 times more likely to sustain present shoulder pain than defensive players (OR = 7.33, 95%CI: 1.55-34.70, p = 0.007; Fisher’s Exact test: p = 0.012). Moreover, offensive players with present shoulder pain had significantly greater score of VAS (visual analog scale) than defensive players (74.0 mm ± 14.2 mm vs 44.6 mm ± 24.4 mm, p = 0.04). Significant differences of arm slot angle were found among badminton players with shoulder pain free, history of shoulder injury and present shoulder pain (35.74o ± 4.85o vs 42.90o ± 11.89 o vs 37.81o ± 6.40o, F = 3.27, p = 0.047). Conclusion: Offensive badminton players are more likely to suffer from shoulder injury and strong intensity of shoulder pain. Greater arm slot angle of hit phase might be the mechanism leading to shoulder problems in badminton players. For improving shoulder re-injury prevention and rehabilitation protocols, our findings should be taken into consideration by physiotherapists, physicians and coaches.