Does an effective shoulder injury prevention program affect risk factors in handball? A randomized controlled study.

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Biomechanics
• Injury Prevention

Background:

• Shoulder injuries are prevalent in handball, necessitating effective prevention programs.
• Player adherence to existing programs is a significant challenge due to time constraints.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center shoulder injury prevention program on key injury risk factors.
• Specifically assessed were external rotation strength and internal rotation range of motion.

Main Methods:

• Four youth handball teams (57 players) were randomized into intervention and control groups.
• The intervention involved a supervised program integrated into warm-ups for 18 weeks.
• External rotation strength and internal rotation range of motion were measured at baseline and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• Both groups showed increases in external rotation strength, with no significant difference between them.
• Internal rotation range of motion did not change significantly in either group.
• The program did not demonstrate a significant effect on the measured risk factors.

Conclusions:

• The Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center program did not enhance external rotation strength or internal rotation range of motion.
• The program's potential injury prevention benefits may stem from mechanisms other than these specific risk factors.