The shoulder of the archer: Clinical, video and isokinetic evaluation

Purpose: Painful pathology of shoulder is frequent in archery. The aim of this study is to search for predisposing factors and to provide guides for physical training in order to prevent this pathology. Method: Video analysis of a training session, isokinetic assessment of extensors, flexors and rotators muscles of both the shoulder and the trunk. Population: 13 competitive archers including 7 injured athletes. Results: A muscular chain links trunk, scapula and arm. There is a great implication of the scapulo-thoracic musculature. The muscular demands are different for the two shoulders. Impigement syndromes are frequent. We observe a tendency to stiffness of the shoulder of the injured athletes. Isokinetic tests show low values of shoulder ratios (External Rotation/Internal Rotation, ER/IR, Flexion/Extension), weakness and lack of endurance of the trunk muscles, high values of the F/E trunk ratios and imbalance of trunk rotators ratios. Conclusion: Physical training of archer should include limbering up exercises, muscular reinforcement of the trunk and the scapulo-thoracic joint, readjustement of the muscular balance between great and little muscles, agonists and antagonists of the trunk and of the shoulders so as to prevent painful conflicts and overloads.