Functional Adaptations in Isokinetic Performance and Shoulder Mobility in Elite Ultimate Frisbee Players

Ultimate Frisbee is a team sport where players mainly use their dominant arm for throwing a flying disc. Little is known about possible functional adaptations to this unilateral strain. The purpose of this study was to investigate shoulder rotation strength and range of motion (ROM) in elite Ultimate Frisbee players. We were especially interested in possible sport-specific functional adaptations of peak torque and work ratios as well as the range of motion of agonist and antagonist shoulder rotators regarding laterality between the dominant and non-dominant body sides. For this reason, the concentric external and internal isokinetic (60°/s) shoulder rotation torque and passive glenohumeral rotation ROM were examined in 15 male subjects (27.5 ± 5.5 yrs; all current or former members of the German National Team) and comparisons of dominant to non-dominant body sides were conducted. Maximum strength (work) during external shoulder rotation was higher on the dominant body side compared with the non-dominant body side (8.4 ± 8.4 %; p < 0.01). No side-to-side differences were found in maximum internal rotation strength. Internal rotation ROM and total ROM were smaller on the dominant body side (21 ± 18 %; p < 0.01 and 5 ± 9 %; p < 0.05). Our findings indicate similar adaptation patterns of shoulder rotation mobility compared to other overhead sports, but differing results regarding shoulder rotation strength. Stretching exercises and monitoring programs are recommended for elite Ultimate Frisbee players, starting at the early stages of the career.