The Overhead Athletes Shoulder injuries among overhead athletes

Background: Overhead athletes, such as baseball players, swimmers, and tennis players, are particularly vulnerable to shoulder injuries due to the high stress on the shoulder joints during repetitive overhead movements. These athletes often experience a range of pathologies, including rotator cuff tears, shoulder impingement, and labral injuries. The unique biomechanics of throwing and other overhead activities create specific stresses that can lead to both acute and chronic injuries. Understanding the mechanisms behind these injuries and identifying risk factors is crucial for developing effective prevention and rehabilitation strategies. Methods: This study reviews the published literature from ۲۰۰۰ to ۲۰۲۱ concerning common shoulder injuries among overhead athletes and examines the associated risk factors for shoulder injuries in overhead sports. The review includes prospective studies that identified intrinsic and extrinsic factors contributing to shoulder overuse injuries. Data extraction involved analyzing ۲۵ studies that provided insights into the shoulder injury biomechanics, common pathologies observed in overhead athletes, and various available treatment options. Results: The analysis highlighted several key risk factors related to shoulder injuries in overhead athletes. Intrinsic factors included glenohumeral internal rotation deficits, rotator cuff strength imbalances, and scapular dyskinesis. Additionally, a belt-like effect, characterized by reduced internal rotation range of motion, was frequently observed and associated with increased injury risk. Furthermore, a decrease in the ratio of external to internal rotator strength was noted among athletes, which may contribute to instability and pain. External factors such as training load and technique also played significant roles in injury development. This review indicated that preventive strategies focusing on improving range of motion, strengthening rotator cuff muscles, and enhancing scapular mechanics could effectively reduce the incidence of injuries. Additionally, rehabilitation protocols that include targeted exercises have been shown to improve outcomes for injured athletes. Conclusion: Shoulder injuries among overhead athletes are common due to the unique biomechanical demands of their sports. Identifying modifiable risk factors such as strength and stability imbalances is essential for developing effective prevention strategies. By implementing targeted rehabilitation programs that address these issues, practitioners can significantly reduce the incidence of shoulder injuries in this population. Future research should continue to explore the relationship between biomechanics and injury prevention to enhance the safety and performance of athletes.

کلیدواژه ها:

Overhead athletes ، shoulder injuries ، glenohumeral internal rotation deficit (GIRD) ، rotator cuff strength imbalance ، scapular dyskinesis