Glenohumeral Internal Rotation Deficit in Non-pitcher Overhead Athletic Athletes: Case Series Analysis of Athletes

Glenohumeral Internal Rotation Deficit in Non-pitcher Overhead Athletic Athletes: Case Series Analysis of Athletes

In this observational case series the investigators would like to investigate wether or not the strenuous activity exerted on over head athletic athletes (ie. javelin throwers, discus throwers) may incite injury on their shoulders.

The investigators understood that these athletes had to perform repeated throwing motions and yet reports on their effects are very limited. This condition in the long run may contribute to injury and affecting performance of the athletes.

The investigators found that these relationships have not been looked at closely by others and largely overshadowed by athletes in other fields; such injury patterns had been described in details in baseball pitchers but not in other athletes.

Description of protocol:

In this study, the investigators would recruit athletes from the national athletics federation training in our city.

Data collection:

History taking:

• complaints of shoulder stiffness
• need for prolonged warm-up
• pain
• discomfort relating to the shoulders

Physical examination:

• Bilateral shoulder range of motion (internal and external rotation)
• Posterior shoulder flexibility test (denotes internal rotation deficit)
• Scapular malpositioning, inferior medial border prominence, coracoid pain and malposition and dyskinesis of scapular movement (SICK) scapula rating

Notes: measurements are taken by at least two investigators separately and compared to ensure accuracy.

Results are presented in a table and analysed.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Performed overhead throwing motions in their athletic skills
• Athletes have competed in regional and national level
• Undergoing active training

Exclusion Criteria:

• Apparent anatomical deformity
• Sustaining injury(ies)