Preseason shoulder screening in volleyball players : is there any change during season ?

peer reviewedBackground Volleyball players sollicit their shoulder with high velocity and high ranges of motion. Musculoskeletal adaptations have been described after some years of practice but ahev not been explored after some months of practice. The objective of this study was to analyze the short-term evolution of shoulder clinical measures and functional performance in youth competitive volleyball players. Methods 61 volleyball players were assessed twice, at preseason and at mid-season. Shoulder internal and external rotation range of motion as well as forward shoulder posture and scapular upward rotation were measured in all players. Two functional tests were also performed: the Upper Quarter Y Balance Test and the Single Arm Medicine Ball Throw. The results obtained at mid-season were compared to those measured at preseason. Results Compared to preseason, an increase in absolute value of shoulder external rotation, total rotation range of motion and forward shoulder posture were observed at mid-season (p