Profile of isokinetic eccentric-to-concentric strength ratios of shoulder rotator muscles in elite female team handball players

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to establish the isokinetic profile of shoulder rotator muscles strength in female handball players. Twenty-seven handball players performed concentric and eccentric strength tests of both dominant and non-dominant upper limbs on an isokinetic dynamometer. Internal and external rotator muscles peak torque was assessed at 1.05, 3.14, and 5.23 rad center dot s-1 in concentric mode and at 3.14 and 5.23 rad center dot s-1 in eccentric mode. Concentric balance ratio and functional ratio were obtained. Bi-lateral deficiency was compared. Concentric strength for internal and external rotation was significantly greater for the dominant than for the non-dominant limb for all speeds (P0.0001). for eccentric actions, internal rotator muscles were stronger in the dominant than the non-dominant limb (P0.0001) at both speeds. Concentric balance and functional balance ratios did not differ between sides at 3.14 rad center dot s-1 (P=0.1631), but at 5.23 rad center dot s-1 the functional balance ratio in the dominant limb was lower than for the non-dominant limb (P=0.0500). Although the dominant side was stronger than the non-dominant side, balance concentric ratios remained the same, with only the functional strength ratio different at 5.23 rad center dot s-1. Our results suggest that concentric strength exercises be used for internal and external rotators on the non-dominant side, and functional exercise that improves eccentric rotation strength for prevention programmes.