Isokinetic performance of shoulder external and internal rotators in adolescent female handball athletes

Summary Objectives The aim of this study was to analyse the difference between the dominant and non-dominant shoulder's external and internal rotators in adolescent female handball players. Methods The information provided by database concerning the isokinetic evaluation of shoulder muscles from 21 female handball athletes between the ages of 14–17 years old were analyzed. The isokinetic dynamometer was used in a concentric-concentric mode for the shoulder external and internal rotators muscles at angular velocities of 60°/s and 180°/s. Results Isokinetic peak torque for external and internal rotators was not different between upper limbs. For external/internal rotators ratio, no difference was shown between the dominant and non-dominant limbs for the both angular velocities studied. Conclusion This study demonstrated that despite repetitive overhead throwing performed by the dominant upper limb, it was not the cause of limbs isokinetic imbalances for adolescent female handball players.