The Comparison of Flexibility and Isokinetic Shoulder Strength in Wheelchair and Able-bodied Basketball Players

Objective: The objective of this study is to compare the flexibility and strength of shoulder rotator cuff muscle of wheelchair basketball players (WBP), able-bodied basketball players (AB-BP) and healthy sedentary individuals. Material and Method: We included 17 WBP (in the age group of 22.5'39 years and a mean age of 28 years), 18 AB-BP (in the age group of 19.5'22 years and a mean age of 21.5 years), and 17 sedentary individuals (in the age group of 25'29 years and a mean age of 26 years) as a control group (CG) in this study. We evaluated flexibility via Apley's scratch test. Moreover, we measured the strength of the external rotator (ER) and internal rotator (IR) muscles with Cybex isokinetic dynamometer. Results: Apley's scratch test showed a significant difference among the three groups (p0.05). Although there was no significant difference in terms of ER/IR ratio, this ratio was found to be lower in WBP than the normative values. The concentric-eccentric strength of shoulder rotator cuff muscles of WBP and AB-BP were similar and higher than those of CG. Conclusion: Inadequate flexibility and rotator cuff muscle imbalance are very important in terms of injury risk. To reduce the risk of injury and improve athletic performance, these parameters should be evaluated and necessary exercises should be included in the programs in case of any deficits. Exercise for stretching the shoulder ER and IR muscles should be added in the training programs of WBP. Additionally, the exercises for strengthening the ER muscle groups should also be included in the WBPs' training programs to achieve the normative value.