Purpose: To incorporate a flexibility/stretching program in the training programs of junior tennis players to help prevent shoulder injuries. Subjects: 31 junior tennis players between the ages of ten and eighteen. Methods: Goniometric measurements were taken of the dominant and non-dominant shoulders in internal and external rotation, at the beginning of an eight week period. Measurements were taken three times on each shoulder. Participants also filled out a demographic questionnaire. Participants were divided into two groups. One group was taught a specific stretching routine for the shoulder in addition to "regular" camp program, and the other was used as a control. After an eight week period, measurements were again taken for all participants following the same procedure. Results: Internal and external rotation measurements increased in both arms after performing stretching program for eight weeks. In the control group, an increase in external rotation occurred with a decrease in internal rotation. Conclusion: With a properly administered stretching routine for the shoulder, a balance in external and internal rotation occurs, resulting in a decrease over time in the number of shoulder injuries in junior tennis players.
| Date of Award | Jan 1 1998 |
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| Original language | English |
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