The Effect of a Shoulder Training Program to Prevent Shoulder Pain Among Girls in Junior Team Handball

The Effect of a Shoulder Training Program to Prevent Shoulder Pain Among Girls in Junior Team Handball

The Effect of a Shoulder Training Program to Prevent Shoulder Pain Among Girls in Junior Team Handball

Very little is known about the potential for preventing the prevalence of shoulder complaints in handball players, particularly younger players. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of a shoulder training program on shoulder pain during a season of team handball.

Six teams, consisting of 13 to 25 players each, were randomized into two groups throughout their competition seasons. Three teams participated in a seven--month, three--times--a--week shoulder--muscle strength--training program while three teams participated in a comparable handball training program but did not conduct any specific upper--body strength training. Effects of this strength--training program were evaluated by comparing pre-- and post--training data from a survey on shoulder complaints based on a self--report questionnaire (quick DASH) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The players completed the VAS on pain once a month. In addition to that the players were tested in a maximum push up test, dynamometer test for internal and external rotation strength in the shoulder and throwing distance in the pre- and posttest.

Six teams, consisting of 13 to 25 players each, were randomized into two groups throughout their competition season; the training Group (intervention Group) and the Control Group.The intervention group completed strength training exercises Three times a week the Whole competition season.

The three teams in the Control Group trained as normal throughout the season and participated in a comparable handball training program, but did not conduct any specific upper--body strength training

Three teams participated in a seven--month, three--times--a--week shoulder--muscle strength--training program while three teams participated in a comparable handball training program but did not conduct any specific upper--body strength training.

The three teams in the Control Group trained as normal throughout the season and participated in a comparable handball training program, but did not conduct any specific upper--body strength training

Effects of this strength--training program were evaluated by comparing pre-- and post--training data from a survey on shoulder complaints based on a self--report questionnaire (quick DASH) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The players completed the VAS form on shoulder pain in the beginning of the season, then once a month throughout the season, and then in the end of the season.

External and internal rotation strength in the shoulder was measured with a handheld dynamometer in the beginning and in the end of the season.

The Maximum number of push ups the players were able to perform was recorded in the beginning and in the end of the season.

The Maximum throwing distance With a handball was recorded in the beginning and in the end of the season.

The quick DASH questionaire was completed in the beginning and in the end of the season. In addition to the VAS and Quick DASH, the players were tested in a maximum push up test, dynamometer test for internal and external rotation strength in the shoulder and throwing distance in the pre- and posttest (see secondary outcome measures).

Inclusion Criteria: - team handball players in the top division in the J16 class in the Trøndelag region in Norway Exclusion Criteria: - previous shoulder operations og fractures in the shoulder region

Osteras H, Sommervold M, Skjolberg A. Effects of a strength-training program for shoulder complaint prevention in female team handball athletes. A pilot study. J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2015 Jul-Aug;55(7-8):761-7. Epub 2014 Dec 17.