Effect of core-shoulder stability exercises on shoulder performance among throwers with glenohumeral internal rotation deficit

Abstract

The study aimed to find out the effect of core-shoulder stability exercises on shoulder performance among throwers with glenohumeral internal rotation deficit (GIRD). Out of Forty-two athletes who participated, 30 subjects were selected who fulfilled the selection criteria and were randomized into 2 groups with 15 subjects in each group. Throwing accuracy (functional throwing performance index), throwing distance (overall medicine throw test), and shoulder range of motion were assessed and recorded at baseline, 3rd week, and 6th week of intervention. The control group received shoulder stability exercises while the study group received core-shoulder stability exercises 4 days per week for 6 consecutive weeks. Repeated measure ANOVA was used to see the difference between groups (groups 1 and 2) and time (baseline,3rd week, and 6th week ) Averaged across times statistically significant improvement was found in overhead medicine ball throw in the study group (Group 2) as compared to the control group with p<0.05. No significant difference was found in the functional throwing performance index and range of motion when groups were compared across times. However, for all the outcome measures when compared across groups, a significant difference was found between 6th and 3rd-week scores as compared to baseline scores. This indicates improvements were seen in both groups independently. We conclude that core stability and shoulder stability training both improve the range of motion with throwing accuracy and distance. Core stability training improves throwing distance compared to shoulder stability training in subjects with GIRD.