Acute Effects of Static Stretching on the Shoulder Joint Position Sense of Overhead Athletes

Acute Effects of Static Stretching on the Shoulder Joint Position Sense of Overhead Athletes: a Randomized Crossover Trial

The purpose of the study is to investigate the acute effects of static stretching on the shoulder joint position sense of overhead athletes.

A crossover randomized controlled trial will be conducted with 17 overhead athletes (9 males and 8 females). All of them will perform the 3 study conditions in random order: a control (5-minute rest), and static stretching of 30 or 90 seconds of muscles around the shoulder. The shoulder joint position sense will be assessed before and immediately after these conditions, and tested by active repositioning for the range of 110º of flexion, with a video camera. Absolute, relative and variable angular errors will be calculated.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Subjects aged between 18 and 30 years
• Competitive overhead athletes (basketball, handball, volleyball, swimming)
• Normal range of motion of flexion of the shoulder

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of injury of the shoulder joint in the previous 6 months
• Positive shoulder joint integrity tests (anterior drawer; fulcrum test; Jerk test; and sulcus sign)