Comparison of shoulder external rotation fatigue protocols on kinetic determinants and fatigue index in overhead athletes: a cross over study

Abstract

The purpose of present study is to compare prone lying and half kneeling external rotator fatigue protocols on the kinetic parameters of external rotators and fatigue index in collegiate overhead athletes. Twenty overhead collegiate male athletes were recruited in this randomised cross-over experimental study design with two different shoulder external rotator fatigue protocols. Subjects were performed with prone lying and half kneeling shoulder external rotation fatigue protocol with a washout period of at least 72 h. Outcome measures like peak force, peak velocity, peak power, average power, and total work were observed in concentric and eccentric contraction and fatigue index was assessed before and after fatigue protocols. Concentric peak force (P=0.001), peak velocity (P<0.001), peak power (P<0.001), average power (P<0.001) and total work (P=0.022) showed significant time difference whereas group difference and time× group interaction was found to be non-significant. Similarly, eccentric peak force (P=0.043), average power (P=0.001) and total work (P=0.032) showed only significant time difference. Prone-lying and half kneeling external rotation fatigue protocols reduces the peak force, peak velocity, peak power and total work in concentric contraction and peak force and total work in eccentric contraction in a similar fashion.