A survey of glenohumeral joint rotational range and non-specific shoulder pain in elite cricketers.

Objectives: To determine if a glenohumeral joint internal rotation range of motion difference (IRD) and external rotation difference (ERD) exists between dominant and non-dominant shoulders of cricketers as demonstrated in other overhead sports, and, if present, to establish if differences exist between cricketers with and without a history of gradual onset non-specific shoulder pain.

Design: An observational study.

Setting: Non-clinical, at national cricket indoor training venues.

Participants: One hundred and nine elite male and female cricketers (11-35 years), representing 97% of the England and Wales national and West of England regional Under 13 teams, consented. The final number included for data analysis was 133.

Main Outcome Measures: Data relating to playing position, cricket exposure, shoulder pain and demographic details collected using a questionnaire. Passive isolated glenohumeral rotation measured in 90 degrees shoulder abduction using an inclinometer.

Results: Cricketers who regularly bowl or throw overarm had significantly less internal (-7.9 degrees , p<0.001) and greater external (8.6 degrees , p<0.001) dominant to non-dominant glenohumeral rotation. Wicket-keepers had tendencies for smaller differences that were still statistically significant [mean IRD -5.9 degrees (p<0.001); ERD 5.0 degrees (p=0.002)]. Cricketers who experienced shoulder pain demonstrated a significantly greater IRD [mean 3.2 degrees (p=0.032)] than those who did not.

Conclusions: The results of this study support measurement of passive glenohumeral joint rotation during musculoskeletal profiling and indicate that a possible link between increased IRD and non-specific shoulder pain warrants further investigation.