Shoulder rotator muscle imbalance in collegiate cricket bowlers: Measurement by Isokinetic Dynamometer at different angular velocities

Abstract

Title: Prevalence of Shoulder Muscle Imbalance in a Population of Collegiate Cricket Bowlers. Introduction: A strength imbalance between the shoulder rotator muscles of overhead athletes is a predisposing factor to shoulder injuries. As very little research has been done on cricketers, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of shoulder rotator muscle imbalance in a population of collegiate cricket bowlers by assessing the isokinetic strength of shoulder external and internal rotators. Also, comparison was done between the concentric and eccentric torques at different velocities. Method: Isokinetic shoulder rotational strength was evaluated in 42 male cricket bowlers with a mean age of 22.02 years and a mean BMI of 22.33 kg/m2. The Biodex System 4 Pro Isokinetic Dynamometer was used to collect data on shoulder rotation strength in a seated position. Data were collected at two speeds (180 and 240deg/sec) and computed for peak torque values for the dominant shoulder's functional external eccentric-to-internal concentric ratio. Result: At a speed of 180deg/sec, 40 bowlers and 240deg/s, 37 bowlers demonstrated lower functional ratios and shoulder muscle imbalance. Conclusion: A significant fraction of cricket bowlers had shoulder muscle imbalance. This imbalance represents a predisposition to injuries. These strength ratios must be considered when managing cricketers and their injuries.

Keywords

• Shoulder rotators
• Isokinetic strength ratios
• Cricket bowlers
• Strength imbalance
• Peak torque