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Assessment of deficit in medial rotation and posterior shortening of the shoulder in professional basketball players

Throwing is distinguished as one of the main gestures that involve the shoulder joint. Athletes who practice throwing over the head are more prone to develop lesions in the shoulder and can provide significant increase in lateral rotation (LR) and decreased medial rotation (MR). The deficit of MR is called GIRD (Glenohumeral Internal Rotation Deficit). The objective of this study was to verify the existence of changes in mobility of the glenohumeral joint in basketball professional athletes and if there is a correlation between range of motion (ROM) of MR and shoulder posterior shortening. METHOD: 19 professional basketball players were evaluated. The MR and LR shoulder were measured through goniometry and photogrammetry in addition to the test for shoulder posterior shortening. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between genders or between rotations (LR and MR) when dominant and non-dominant shoulders were compared. Concerning the shortening test, no statistically significant differences were observed either. There were no correlations between RM decrease and the test for shoulder posterior shortening. CONCLUSION: No changes in mobility of the glenohumeral joint in professional basketball athletes in this sample, or correlation between ROM of MR and shortening of the shoulder posterior shortening were found.

throwing; posterior capsule; range of motion


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