Suprascapular neuropathy in volleyball players

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Neurology
• Orthopedics

Background:

• Suprascapular nerve entrapment causing isolated infraspinatus muscle paralysis is rare but reported in volleyball players.
• Excessive nerve strain is a suspected cause, with prior research linking shoulder range of motion to nerve strain.
• No clinical studies have investigated the association between excessive shoulder mobility and this pathology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential association between shoulder joint range of motion and suprascapular neuropathy.
• To clinically examine Belgian male volleyball players for this association.

Main Methods:

• Electromyography (EMG) and clinical shoulder examination were performed on 16 professional volleyball players.
• Measurements included shoulder range of motion and isokinetic strength testing for internal/external rotation.
• Players were assessed for suprascapular nerve entrapment and infraspinatus muscle function.

Main Results:

• Four players exhibited severe suprascapular neuropathy affecting only the infraspinatus muscle, with entrapment on the dominant side.
• Affected players showed significantly higher range of motion in external rotation, horizontal flexion, forward flexion, and shoulder girdle protraction.
• No significant clinical differences were noted besides infraspinatus hypotrophy in affected players.

Conclusions:

• Findings suggest a correlation between increased shoulder joint range of motion and isolated infraspinatus muscle paralysis in volleyball players.
• The study highlights a potential risk factor for this condition in athletes with hypermobile shoulders.
• A small sample size limits definitive conclusions, warranting further research.