Shoulder strength, flexibility and injury profiles of high school water polo players
Date
2014-02-19
Authors
Devine, Gareth
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
The
aim
of
this
research
was
to
determine
the
flexibility
and
strength
of
the
internal
and
external
rotators
of
the
shoulder
and
injuries
that
occur
in
the
shoulder
in
male
high
school
water
polo
players.
A
cross
sectional
study
was
done
with
a
convenient
sample
of
28
male
high
school
water
polo
players.
Flexibility
was
assessed
using
Myrin
inclinometer
and
strength
was
assessed
using
the
Biodex
System
3
isokinetic
dynamometer.
The
tests
were
done
to
assess
the
player’s
internal
and
external
rotators
of
the
shoulder.
The
participants
were
also
questioned
using
a
questionnaire
to
see
time
spent
playing
water
polo,
injuries
sustained
and
type
of
injuries.
The
results
showed
increased
external
rotation
flexibility
and
strength
in
the
shoulder
compared
to internal
rotation
flexibility
and
strength.
A
strong
correlation
between
the
internal
and
external
rotators
of
the
same
shoulder
was
also
seen
in
the
water
polo
players
when
looking
at
flexibility
and
strength.
Even
though
the
evidence
showed
that
the
water
polo
player
would
have
adaptations
in
the
shoulder
due
to
the
movements
performed,
there
was
very
little
correlation
between
shoulder
external
rotation
flexibility
and
strength.
With
the
different
movements
of
the
water
polo
player’s
shoulder
it
is
shown
how
the
different
vigorous
movements
of
water
polo
alter
biomechanics
to
help
in
their
movements
during
water
polo.
Future
studies
need
to
focus
on
the
different
adaptations
during
water
polo
and whether
these
adaptations
cause
injury
or
better
performance.