GLENOHUMERAL JOINT - INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL ROTATION RANGE OF MOTION IN JAVELIN THROWERS

Objective-To assess differences in glenohumeral joint rotatory range o f movement in javelin throwers between the throwing and non-throwing a rm. Method-A universal 360 degrees goniometer was used to assess gleno humeral joint external and internal rotation range in 90 degrees of sh oulder abduction in a group of ten senior international javelin throwe rs. Results-Both arms had significantly greater degrees of external th an internal rotation (p<0.01), and the throwing arm had significantly greater range of external rotation than the non-throwing arm (p<0.01). Conclusions-The presence of an excessive range of external rotation i n the throwing shoulder has the potential to increase eccentric load o n the rotator cuff muscles and strain on the passive restraints of the glenohumeral joint. Both of these factors have been implicated in the pathological processes leading to injury in the overhead throwing ath lete.