Isokinetic Torque Imbalance of Junior Waterpolo Players

Thorwesten L, Bork H, Fromme A, Reer R,

Abstract in digital collection (conference)

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of the present study was to determine the isokinetic torque of the shoulder for a junior waterpolo team. Due to the specific repetitive activity of waterpolo it is necessary to check the shoulder rotator cuff for muscular imbalance. Materials and Methods: In order to document the isokinetic torque capabilities we evaluated 27 male junior waterpolo players within the age range of 15-17 years. Using a Cybex 6000 dynamometer we tested the concentric isokinetic torque of knee extension/flexion, shoulder extension/flexion and horizontal shoulder abduction/adduction at a velocity of 60°/s with 6 repetitions and 180°/s with 15 repetitions. The range of motion was from 0° to 170° for the shoulder extension/flexion and from 0° to 90° for abduction/adduction. The shoulder test was performed in a supine position using the UBX ofthe cybex system Results: Isokinetic torque was significantly higher on the dominant side for both shoulder movements. The most important finding of this study was the detection of muscular imbalance with a ratio of ab out 2: 1 between shoulder extension/flexion. Conclusion: The muscular imbalance of the rotator cuff is of high clinical significance because it can cause functional instability of the glenohumeral joint. Modern strength measurement devices are a very appropriate tool for an objective evaluation of strength capabilities. These devices achieve more accurate results compared to semiquantitative measunng methods. Regarding injmy prophylaxis recommendations for training programs should include regular control of strength and stretching capabilities as weil as integration of shoulder-stabilizing exercises into the planning of training.

Details zur Publikation

Release year: 1995
Language in which the publication is written: English