Shoulder Muscle Imbalance as a Risk for Shoulder Injury in Elite Adolescent Badminton Players

Shoulder Muscle Imbalance as a Risk for Shoulder Injury in Elite Adolescent Badminton Players : a Prospective Pilot Study

Background: To assess the impact of pre-season clinical measures and rotator muscles strength on the risk of significant shoulder injury (SSI) in elite adolescent badminton players Design: Prospective cohort study Participants: Nine elite adolescents badminton players were included and followed from September 2018 to May 2019.

Independent variables: A pre-season visit consisted in clinical and isokinetic shoulder strength testing. Isokinetic internal and external rotator shoulder muscles strength was tested at 60, 120 and 240°/s. Conventional and functional (eccentric-to-concentric) ratios (FR) were calculated. SSI collection was performed by an experienced sport physician.

Inclusion Criteria:

• All the elite adolescent badminton players from a high-level club.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Players who had SSI in the 3 months prior to the isokinetic test or had shoulder surgery