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Int J Sports Med 2009; 30(12): 863-867
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1237391
Training & Testing

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Influence of Rugby Practice on Shoulder Internal and External Rotators Strength

P. Edouard1 , 2 , N. Frize3 , P. Calmels1 , 2 , P. Samozino2 , M. Garet2 , F. Degache1 , 2
  • 1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University Hospital of Saint-Etienne, Jean Monnet University, Saint-Etienne, France
  • 2Exercise Physiology Laboratory (LPE EA 4338), Jean Monnet University, Saint-Etienne, France
  • 3Institute of Formation in Physical Therapy, Saint Michel, Saint-Etienne, France
Further Information

Publication History

accepted after revision July 14, 2009

Publication Date:
11 November 2009 (online)

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Abstract

Shoulder injuries are frequent in rugby, and muscular deficiency and/or imbalance of the internal (IR) and external (ER) shoulder rotators are considered as probable mechanisms of shoulder injuries. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the rotators strength imbalances occur in rugby players by comparing IR and ER strength and ER/IR ratios between rugby players (RP) and nonathletic subjects. Fourteen RP and 19 healthy nonathletic subjects were evaluated in this cross-sectional controlled study with a Con-Trex® dynamometer. IR and ER isokinetic strength were performed at 60°. s−1 and 240°. s−1 in concentric, and 60°. s−1 in eccentric, for both sides. Strength values were higher for RP than nonathletic ones (p<0.05), but if peak torque was normalised to body weight, there were no significant differences. There was no significant effect of laterality on the IR and ER peak torque, and no significant influence of rugby and/or laterality on the ER/IR ratio. In conclusions, our results reported no rotators muscles imbalance in RP as a possible risk factor of glenohumeral injury.

Key words

shoulder - isokinetic - strength imbalance - injury prevention - rugby

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Correspondence

Dr. P. Edouard

Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

University Hospital of Saint-Etienne

Hôpital Bellevue

42055 Saint Etienne

France

Phone: +33/67/457 46 91

Fax: +33/47/712 77 72

Email: Pascal.edouard42@gmail.com

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