The Effect of Rotator Cuff Muscles Exercises on Range of Motion, Proprioception and Electrical Activity in Male Volleyball Players with Shoulder Joint Internal Rotation Deficit

Background: The shoulder joint internal rotation deficit is inter alia the most important risk factors for throwing athletes. Thus, the present study aims at investigating the effect of eight weeks of rotator cuff muscles specific exercises on the range of motion, proprioception and the activation time of the selective shoulder muscles in male volleyball players with shoulder joint internal rotation deficit. Methods: Thirty male athletes with shoulder joint internal rotation deficit took part in the present study and after preliminary screening and identification of the qualified athletes, the testes were assigned to two groups: experimental (n = 15) and control (n = 15). Results: The results of the statistical tests indicated that rotator cuff muscles specific exercises have had a significant effect on the range of motion, proprioception and electrical activation of the anterior deltoid muscle, medial deltoid muscle, posterior deltoid muscle, infraspinatus and supraspinatus. Conclusion: According to the positive influence of the rotator cuff muscles specific exercises, it is recommended that these rotator cuff muscles specific exercises should be added to the rehabilitation-therapy programs for male volleyball players with shoulder joint internal rotation deficit so that the limitations resulting from such a deficit in the range of motion could be eased.