Comparison of upper body posture, shoulder range of motion of volleyball players with and without scapular dyskinesia

Abstract

Background Repetitive movement patterns and continuous use of the upper limb in volleyball cause scapular movement disorders. The aim of the present study was to compare upper body posture, shoulder range of motion of volleyball players with and without scapular dyskinesia. Methods 50 volleyball players (25 volleyball players with scapular dyskinesia and 25 healthy volleyball players) were selected in a targeted manner from volleyball clubs in Urmia city. Head and shoulder posture were evaluated using photography. The thoracic spine was assessed by a flexible ruler; internal and external rotation of the shoulder using a goniometer. In order to compare the means of the two groups, independent t-test was used. Results The results showed a significant difference in forward head (P = 0.047), forward shoulder (P = 0.007) and thoracic spine posture (P = 0.037), and shoulder external rotation (P = 0.001) between healthy volleyball players and volleyball players with scapular dyskinesia. However, there was no significant difference in internal rotation of the shoulder (P = 0.148) between the two groups. Conclusion shoulder girdle posture of volleyball players with scapular dyskinesia seems to be poorer than that of volleyball players without scapular dyskinesia. Players with scapular dyskinesia had limited external rotation range compared to the healthy group. This issue may be affected by the position of the shoulder, which itself can be caused by a poor posture.