Which Myofascial Alterations Contribute to Functional Limitations and Perceived Performance Deficits in Water Polo...

Shoulder injuries are highly prevalent in overhead sports such as water polo due to repetitive high-intensity throwing demands. While structural pathologies have been widely studied, there is a lack of evidence regarding the role of myofascial dysfunction in this athletic population.

This study aims to analyze the relationship between myofascial dysfunction in the shoulder musculature and self-perceived functional capacity in competitive water polo players.

Observational cohort.

Male water polo players from youth and senior categories of two clubs in Madrid (Spain) were recruited for participation in this study. A clinical evaluation of myofascial dysfunction was performed through manual assessment of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) using a composite score (0-6) based on the presence of six diagnostic criteria and completion of the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic Shoulder and Elbow Score questionnaire were performed. Spearman correlation analysis and hierarchical multiple regression were performed to examine the association between MTrPs and shoulder function.

A total of 33 water polo players aged 18.30 ± 2.82 years were included. Significant moderate negative correlations were found between myofascial trigger point scores and the KJOC score for the infraspinatus (r = -0.413, p = 0.017), subscapularis (r = -0.377, p = 0.030), and anterior (r = -0.580, p < 0.001), middle (r = -0.480, p = 0.005), and posterior deltoid (r = -0.534, p = 0.001).

The findings suggest that myofascial dysfunction significantly negatively impacts shoulder function and performance in water polo athletes.

Level 3.