The Effect of a Shoulder Training Program to Prevent Shoulder Pain Among Girls in Junior Team Handball

The Effect of a Shoulder Training Program to Prevent Shoulder Pain Among Girls in Junior Team Handball

Very little is known about the potential for preventing the prevalence of shoulder complaints in handball players, particularly younger players. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of a shoulder training program on shoulder pain during a season of team handball.

Six teams, consisting of 13 to 25 players each, were randomized into two groups throughout their competition seasons. Three teams participated in a seven--month, three--times--a--week shoulder--muscle strength--training program while three teams participated in a comparable handball training program but did not conduct any specific upper--body strength training. Effects of this strength--training program were evaluated by comparing pre-- and post--training data from a survey on shoulder complaints based on a self--report questionnaire (quick DASH) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The players completed the VAS on pain once a month. In addition to that the players were tested in a maximum push up test, dynamometer test for internal and external rotation strength in the shoulder and throwing distance in the pre- and posttest.

Inclusion Criteria:

- team handball players in the top division in the J16 class in the Trøndelag region in Norway

Exclusion Criteria:

- previous shoulder operations og fractures in the shoulder region