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BACKGROUND: Muscular imbalance due to tightness or weakness of the muscles of the upper limbs reduces joint range of motion, changes biomechanical patterns, decreases the efficiency of force production, and increases the chance of injuries to the musculoskeletal system in athletes. This study was pursued as there is paucity of literature understanding the relationship between hand dominance and shoulder girdle muscle length in athletes. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate if there is any relationship between hand dominance and shoulder girdle muscle length in athletes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An Exploratory Study was done on 60 athletes between the age group of 18-25 years who were recruited from various sports clubs and organizations in Belgaum, Karnataka. Kendall's Muscle Length Testing techniques were used to measure the length of the shoulder girdle muscles. RESULTS: The results of the study demonstrated that there is significant difference of shoulder girdle muscle length in dominant and non-dominant hand. Athletes playing overhead sports showed tight lateral rotators of the dominant hand when compared to non-dominant hand. Those playing contact sports and athletics showed tight rhomboids of both dominant and non-dominant hand and tight lateral rotators of both hands. CONCLUSION: There exists a relationship between hand dominance and shoulder girdle muscle length in athletes.

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