Risk Factors Associated with New Onset of Shoulder Pain and Injury Among the Athletic Population: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Review written by Luke Murray info

Key Points

  1. Range of motion (ROM), strength, previous injury, and training load were found to be the primary risk factors for shoulder injury in athletes.
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BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

Shoulder injuries are a major concern for overhead and throwing athletes, contributing to pain, time off sport, and decreased performance (1). While prevention programs exist, their efficacy is limited without a clear understanding of risk factors.

This systematic review aimed to identify physical, behavioral, environmental, and sport-specific factors associated with the new onset of shoulder pain and injury in athletic populations. Unlike previous reviews, this study included a wide range of overhead and tactical athletes, and only included prospective studies with at least six months of follow-up in athletes free of shoulder pain at baseline.

Shoulder injuries are a major concern for overhead and throwing athletes, contributing to pain, time off sport, and decreased performance.
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Clinicians should use handheld dynamometry or isokinetic testing to quantify and correct strength deficits.

METHODS

The authors conducted a systematic review using PRISMA guidelines. Databases searched included PubMed, Embase, AMED, CINAHL, and EmCare. Studies were included if they were prospective, involved athletes without shoulder pain at baseline, and followed participants for ≥6 months.

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