Prospective Evaluation of Unilateral Shoulder Range of Motion and Functional Performance as Predictors of Noncontact Upper Extremity Injury in Overhead Athletes

Bilgi B., Düzgün I., Beyhan H.

14th International Congress on Sport Sciences Research and Technology Support (icSPORTS 2026), Angers, Fransa, 26 - 27 Ekim 2026, cilt.1, ss.241-250, (Tam Metin Bildiri)

  • Yayın Türü: Bildiri / Tam Metin Bildiri
  • Cilt numarası: 1
  • Doi Numarası: 10.5220/0015236900004981
  • Basıldığı Şehir: Angers
  • Basıldığı Ülke: Fransa
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.241-250
  • Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

ABSTRACT
Background: Preseason identification of modifiable risk factors for noncontact upper extremity injury is a clinical priority in overhead sports. Objective: To determine whether preseason unilateral shoulder range of motion (ROM) and functional performance measures are independently associated with noncontact upper extremity injury in overhead athletes. Methods: In this prospective cohort study, 136 overhead athletes (handball n=52; volleyball n=84; 79 females, 57 males) underwent preseason assessment and were followed for two competitive seasons. Glenohumeral internal rotation (IR), external rotation (ER), and total rotational ROM (TROM) were measured bilaterally. Functional performance was assessed with the Upper Quarter Y-Balance Test (UQYBT), Upper Limb Rotation Test (ULRT), Unilateral Seated Medicine Ball Throw Test (USMBT). LASSO logistic regression with bootstrap internal validation was used to identify independent predictors. Results: Twenty-two noncontact upper extremity injuries were recorded. Shoulder ER (OR=0.95; 95% CI: 0.91–0.99; p=0.015) and IR (OR=0.95; 95% CI: 0.91–0.99; p=0.019) were independently associated with injury risk. Adjusted for ROM, female sex was the strongest predictor (OR=4.64; p=0.014). No functional performance test was independently associated with injury. Optimism-corrected AUC was 0.61 (95% CI: 0.47–0.73). Conclusions: Absolute unilateral glenohumeral rotational ROM, but not functional performance, was independently associated with noncontact upper extremity injury risk in overhead athletes.

KEYWORDS
Shoulder Injury, Range of Motion, Functional Performance, Overhead Athletes, Injury Prevention.