title: Reduced glenohumeral rotation, external rotation weakness and scapular dyskinesis are risk factors for shoulder injuries among elite male handball players: a prospective cohort study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine whether rotator cuff strength, glenohumeral joint range of motion and scapular control are associated with shoulder injuries among elite male handball players.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 206 players in the Norwegian elite handball league for men were tested prior to the 2011-2012 season. Measures included: (1) glenohumeral internal and external rotation range of motion, (2) isometric internal rotation, external rotation and abduction strength and (3) assessment of scapular dyskinesis. Players were followed prospectively for the entire regular season (30 weeks), with shoulder problems registered bi-weekly using the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Overuse Injury Questionnaire. A cumulative severity score was calculated for each player based on their questionnaire responses. This was used as the outcome measure in risk factor analyses.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The average prevalence of shoulder problems throughout the season was 28% (95% CI 25% to 31%). The prevalence of substantial shoulder problems, defined as those leading to moderate or severe reductions in handball participation or performance, or to time loss, was 12% (95% CI 11% to 13%). Significant associations were found between obvious scapular dyskinesis (OR 8.41, 95% CI 1.47 to 48.1, p<0.05), total rotational motion (OR 0.77 per 5° change, 95% CI 0.56 to 0.995, p<0.05) and external rotation strength (OR 0.71 per 10 Nm change, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.99, p<0.05) and shoulder injury.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Injury prevention programmes should incorporate interventions aimed at improving glenohumeral rotational range of motion, external rotation strength and scapular control.
authors.affiliation: Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center, Department of Sports Medicine, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway.
authors.forename: Benjamin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Clarsen
authors.affiliation: Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center, Department of Sports Medicine, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway.
authors.forename: Roald
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bahr
authors.affiliation: Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center, Department of Sports Medicine, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway.
authors.forename: Stig Haugsboe
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Andersson
authors.affiliation: Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center, Department of Sports Medicine, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway.
authors.forename: Rikke
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Munk
authors.affiliation: Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center, Department of Sports Medicine, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway.
authors.forename: Grethe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Myklebust
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012090:Cumulative Trauma Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D020820:Dyskinesias / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology; D009664:Norway; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012307:Risk Factors; D012540:Scapula / Q000502:physiology*; D000070599:Shoulder Injuries; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Epidemiology; Injury Prevention; Sporting injuries