Comparison between shoulder strength ratio and shoulder internal to external rotation range of motion in Zurkhaneh athletes and non-athletes subjects

Introduction: Shoulder internal and external rotator muscles play a critical role to provide stability and mobility for glenohumeral joint, particularly in the overhead athletes. Musculoskeletal adaptation and some special side effects due these physical demands and movement patterns are very important for these athletes. The purpose of this study was to compare shoulder strength ratio with shoulder internal to external rotation range of motion (ROM) in zurkhaneh athletes and non-athletes subjects.Materials and Methods: Twenty nine zurkhaneh athletes (mean age ± SD; 23.51 ± 2.04 years, sport history ± SD; 8.75 ± 4.47 years) and thirty non-athletes individuals (mean age ± SD; 24.8 ± 1.56) participated in this study. Data were collected through questionnaires and examination. Shoulder strength was measured by Hand-held dynamometer. Leighton flexometer was used to record ROM in both upper extremities internal and external rotations. Independent samples t-test was applied to analyze the data.Results: There was a significant difference in internal/external rotation range of motion ratio among zurkhaneh athletes and non-athletes group (P ≥ 0.05). Also, the results of this study identified a prominent difference in internal/external rotation strength ratio between zurkhaneh athletes and non-athletes group (P ≥ 0.001). Conclusion: Repeated pattern of movements in the zurkhaneh sports for a long time causes muscle imbalance in strength and range of motion shoulder joint. It is known as a risk factor for shoulder injuries. Therefore; a design of corrective exercise and prevention strategies should be considered in training programs by athletic trainers and coaches. Keywords: Strength, Range of Motion, Shoulder Joint, Zurkhaneh