Trunk and shoulder strength and mobility in young female volleyball and handball athletes

Volleyball and handball have typical overhead throwing motion that can generate adaptations in the athlete's kinetic chain predisposing to injuries and pain. Considering the importance of the trunk and shoulder in overhead throwing motion and the particularities of these action in different sports, this study aimed to compare the trunk and shoulder muscle strength and mobility in young female volleyball and handball athletes.

Cross-sectional study with 70 female volleyball and handball athletes between 13 and 18 years old.

Shoulder rotators, trunk extension and flexion with rotation strength was measured with a handheld dynamometer (MicroFET 2, Hoogan Health Industries, West Jordan, UT, USA). Shoulder and trunk range of motion was measured with a digital inclinometer (Acummar - model ACU001). Total range of motion deficit (TROM deficit), glenohumeral internal and external rotation of dominant (DOM) and non-dominant (NDOM) shoulder were also calculated.

Handball athletes presented greater muscle strength of trunk flexors/rotators (DOM: 24.96%, effect size: 0.687; NDOM, 31.83%, effect size: 0.798) and dominant shoulder internal rotators (16.65%, effect size: 0.619). The groups showed no difference for trunk and shoulder range of motion and external rotators strength. A TROM (volleyball: 48%, handball: 35%) and a glenohumeral internal rotation deficit (volleyball: 28%, handball: 29%) was found in both groups.

Young female handball athletes have greater strength of trunk flexors/rotators and dominant shoulder internal rotators compared to volleyball athletes. These differences may be related to the different demands required in the movement of these sports.