Risk Factors for Shoulder Pain, Injury, and Dysfunction in Volleyball Athletes: A Prospective Cohort Study

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Sports Medicine
• Biomechanics

Background:

• The etiology of shoulder injuries in throwing athletes is complex and debated.
• Understanding specific risk factors is crucial for injury prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prospectively identify risk factors associated with shoulder pain, injury, and dysfunction in elite volleyball players.
• To analyze the relationship between various biomechanical and clinical factors and adverse shoulder outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A prospective cohort study involving 95 professional and masters-level volleyball athletes over 8 months.
• Utilized physical examination, goniometry, dynamometry, ultrasound, and MRI for injured athletes.
• Assessed 15 potential risk factors for shoulder pain, injury, and dysfunction using defined criteria.

Main Results:

• High incidence rates observed: 52.6% for pain, 38.9% for injury, and 47.3% for dysfunction.
• Scapular dyskinesis increased odds of pain (4.2x) and injury (3.5x).
• History of shoulder injury significantly elevated odds of pain (25.3x) and reinjury (606x).
• Strength imbalance and being a starter were associated with increased injury risk.
• Decreased humeral retroversion showed a protective effect against injury.

Conclusions:

• Scapular dyskinesis and a history of shoulder injury are significant risk factors for shoulder problems in volleyball athletes.
• Playing a starting position and experiencing strength imbalances increase injury likelihood.
• Maintaining adequate humeral retroversion may help prevent shoulder injuries in this population.