Assessing Thrower's Ten program's effect on shoulder flexibility, stability, and strength in water polo athletes

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Rehabilitation Science
• Athletic Training

Background:

• The Thrower's Ten (T10) is a recognized rehabilitation program for overhead throwing athletes.
• Its efficacy in water polo, a sport with unique demands, requires specific investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of the T10 program on water polo athletes.
• To assess changes in shoulder strength, stability, and flexibility following T10 intervention.

Main Methods:

• 46 water polo athletes were randomized into a T10 exercise group and a control group.
• The T10 group performed specific exercises 3x weekly for 10 weeks.
• Evaluations included isokinetic strength testing, Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Test (CKCUEST), and range of motion measurements.

Main Results:

• The T10 group demonstrated significant improvements in shoulder stability (CKCUEST scores) and flexibility.
• Significant increases in non-dominant extremity internal rotation strength were observed post-intervention.
• The T10 group outperformed the control group in CKCUEST metrics.

Conclusions:

• The T10 program effectively enhances shoulder stability and flexibility in water polo athletes.
• The T10 exercises show partial effectiveness in improving upper extremity strength for this population.
• T10 program integration may benefit water polo athletes in injury prevention and performance.