Upper limb performance and neuromuscular asymmetries in Australian Rules Footballers following shoulder stabilisation surgery

Abstract

Introduction: Shoulder dislocations are prevalent in Australian Rules Football (ARF) with many requiring shoulder stabilisation surgery. Following surgery, most athletes desire to return to sport (RTS) at their pre-injury level of performance. However, residual inter-limb deficits in strength and neuromuscular performance may delay RTS, and contribute to poor outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate inter-limb deficits at the time of clearance to RTS during long-lever isometric tests in patients after stabilisation surgery, compared to an uninjured control group of ARF players.