ROTATOR CUFF INJURY RISK FACTORS IN OVERHEAD ATHLETES: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Overhead sport has high physical demand specially on the shoulder, rotator cuff injuries are one of the most common injuries in overhead sports. Although Though risk factors for shoulder injuries have been described, there’s still a need for investigating the risk factors for specific shoulder injuries in overhead athletes. The purpose of this is study is to systematically review studies investigating risk factors contributing to rotator cuff injury in overhead athletes. This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines. Electronic databases PubMed, Scopus and SPORTSiscus were searched for relevant studies. Titles, abstracts, and full texts has been screened by the primary investigator. Five studies out of 1365 were used. The outcome measures were: shoulder external and internal rotation ROM assessment, Isokinetic assessment for shoulder IR and ER strength assessment and preseason questioner was used for following-up with the athletes. Narrative synthesis was used as Meta-analysis was not appropriate for the data. Muscular weakness in the shoulder external and internal rotators specifically external rotators, the low strength ratio between IR and ER. Limited shoulder ER and IR range of motion specially increased external rotation ROM. Previous shoulder injury. These are risk factors that have been associated with increased risk of rotator cuff injury in overhead athletes. By identifying some of the risk factors for rotator cuff injury in overhead athletes in this study, it should help in developing more effective injury prevention interventions.