The Relationship Between Upper Extremity Functional Tests Scores With Strength, Proprioception, and Posture in Male Volleyball Players

Purpose: This study investigates the relationship between the scores of upper extremity functional tests with isokinetic strength, range of motion, shoulder proprioception, and posture of male volleyball players. Methods: A total of 30 male university volleyball players aged 18 to 24 years were selected by the convenience sampling method. The concentric strength of the internal and external rotators, abductors, flexors, adductors, and extensors of the shoulder was measured at speeds of 180 and 300 degrees per s using an isokinetic dynamometer. Shoulder proprioception was also assessed at 45 and 90 degrees using an isokinetic device. Also, the range of motion of flexion, extension, abduction, and internal and external rotation at 90 degrees of abduction was measured using a universal goniometer. The forward head and shoulder angles were also assessed by photography and using the AutoCAD software. Finally, upper extremity function was assessed using a Y-balance device. Results: The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to assess the relationship between variables at a significance level of P<0.05 using the SPSS software, version 20. The results of the Pearson correlation test showed a positive and significant relationship between the isometric strength variables at torques of 180 and 300 (degrees/s) for flexion and extension, abduction and adduction, internal and external rotation (P>0.05), and between the proprioception variables at 45 and 90 degrees of shoulder abduction (P>0.05), and between the range of motion variables for shoulder flexion, shoulder extension, shoulder abduction, shoulder internal rotation, and shoulder external rotation (P>0.05) with the upper extremity functional test. Also, a negative and significant relationship was observed between the forward head angle (P>0.05) and shoulder forward angle (P>0.05) with the upper extremity functional test. Conclusion: Based on the findings of the present study, there is a significant relationship between the scores of upper extremity functional tests with isokinetic strength, proprioception, and range of motion of the shoulder joint, as well as the posture of volleyball athletes. Coaches and specialists can focus on improving these variables to improve shoulder function and prevent injury in volleyball athletes.