Bartosz Pańczyszak, Katarzyna Bogacz, Jacek Łuniewski, Marcin Krajczy, Jan Szczegielniak
B. Pańczyszak, K. Bogacz, J. Łuniewski, M. Krajczy, J. Szczegielniak – Functional assessment of the shoulder joint in volleyball players from different age groups; Fizjoterapia Polska 2018; 18(1); 50-60
Abstract
Objective. The aim of the paper was to perform functional analysis and assessment of the range of movement of the joints of the pectoral girdle in the dominant and non-dominant limb in volleyball players. Materials and methods. The study involved 40 competitive volleyball players divided into 2 groups. The shoulder joint movement range assessment involved active performance of specific movements by the participants while lying down. The tool used to take the measurements was a standard goniometer, while the movements were performed in different planes in a specified and systematic way in accordance with the SFTR method. The second stage involved the performance of 3 proposed functional tests to assess the complex range of movements of the shoulder girdle. The tools used to assess the tests performed were a standard goniometer and a flexible tape measure. Results. The results of the tests were subjected to statistical analysis with the use of the Statistica 10 software. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. In addition, the average motion ranges and functional test results were compared. Conclusions 1. Both the Youth group and the Senior group showed a significant decrease in the range of internal rotation of the dominant limb as compared to the non-dominant limb. In addition, a deficit was found in the Youth group in horizontal flexion of the dominant limb. 2. The results of the functional tests show worse results of the “safety pin” test for the dominant limb in both groups. In the Youth group, the difference amounted to 7.4 cm and in the Senior group – 10.1 cm as compared to the non-dominant limb. 3. The Seniors achieved higher ranges of flexion in the sagittal plane and the Youth in extension and horizontal extension. 4. Athletes with a higher internal rotation range of the shoulder joint of the dominant limb achieved higher results in the “safety pin” test.
Key words:
Volleyball players, shoulder joint, functional assessment
