Applied Medical Research. 2021;
8(1):(95-154)
Shoulder Differences between Volleyball Players and Non-Overhead Athletes
Ribeiro A*, Pinto P and Martins M
Abstract
Introduction: in any sporting activity, there are functional adaptations specific to each
sport. In volleyball, one of the most important functional adaptations is the shoulder’s
articular complex. Thus it is extremely important to determine, assess and to take them
into consideration by the physioherapist in order to prevent any injury.
Objective: determine if there are any recurring functional adaptations due to overuse of
the shoulder in volleyball players, compared with players of non-“overhead” sports.
Methodology: analysis of video footage of passive movement amplitude of the internal
and external rotation, and horizontal adduction of the shoulder using the Kinovea program.
Results: After analyzing all the collected data, a difference in horizontal adduction was
verified between the two groups under testing. There was no evidence of any difference in
internal and external rotation.
Conclusion: regarding the functional adaptations of the shoulder, specifically in terms of
horizontal adduction, there are significant differences between a volleyball player and
a non-volleyball player. This adaptation in particular corresponds to a shortening of the
posterior capsule, which is responsible for many shoulder related pathologies.
