Strength Values of Shoulder Internal and External Rotators in Elite Volleyball Players

Abstract

Objective: To determine concentric shoulder external-internal rotator strength, dominant and non-dominant shoulder differences and agonist/antagonist ratios. Design: A transversal study of isokinetic dynamometry of healthy shoulders, 95% confidence intervals are presented. Participants: 35 asymptomatic elite, male volleyball players. Measurements: Peak torque normalized for body weight was recorded at 60, 180, and 300°/sec. with a Cybex 6000 dynamometer. Results: (1) internal rotators were significantly stronger than external rotators of the same shoulder; (2) internal rotators of the dominant arm were significantly stronger than of the non-dominant arm; (3) no difference existed between external rotators of the dominant and the non-dominant arm; (4) external–internal rotator ratios of the dominant arm were significantly lower than of the non-dominant arm; and (5) no differences were found between the ratios of each arm separately. Conclusions: Data presented are important for interpreting isokinetic shoulder rotator strength tests in elite volleyball players and could be relevant in rehabilitation and prevention of shoulder injuries.