Introduction: The overhead throwing and striking movements put extraordinary demands on glenohumeral joint and can lead to pain and injuries, which are the major health problem in overhead athletes. The identification of risk factors of shoulder joint overuse injuries is regarded the key to successful injury prevention. The aim of this article was to review scientific research reports on the effectiveness of physiotherapy procedures aiming to reduce risk factors of shoulder joint overuse injuries in overhead sports. Methods: The reports of randomized controlled trials published over the past five years were searched in Pubmed, CINAHL and PEDro databases. Results: Seven studies met all the criteria and were thoroughly analyzed. One of the specific exercise programs aimed to reduce risk factors was successful in reducing the degree of shoulder injury, while two of them significantly improved strength and torque ratios of the shoulder muscles. Another specific exercise program did not show better effectiveness than standard physiotherapy. The application of elastic and rigid adhesive tapes improved the proprioception and joint stability, increased mobility, and decreased scapular dyskinesia. Conclusions: Most of the reviewed therapeutic exercise programs proved to be effective and should therefore be added to the sport-specific training routine. Elastic or rigid adhesive tapes should be used only as an adjunct to kinesiotherapy, and only in athletes at higher risk. There is a high demand for additional high-quality studies, which would scrutinize the relative contribution of each preventive procedure to the incidence of injuries.
|
