[Purpose] For maximum efficiency and to prevent injury during javelin throwing, it is
critical to maintain muscle balance and coordination of the rotator cuff and the
glenohumeral joint. In this study, we investigated the change in the rotator cuff muscle
strength, throw distance and technique of javelin throwers after they had performed a
specific physical training that combined elements of weight training, function movement
screen training, and core training. [Subjects] Ten javelin throwers participated in this
study: six university athletes in the experimental group and four national-level athletes
in the control group. [Methods] The experimental group performed 8 weeks of the specific
physical training. To evaluate the effects of the training, measurements were performed
before and after the training for the experimental group. Measurements comprised
anthropometry, isokinetic muscle strength measurements, the function movement screen test,
and movement analysis. [Results] After the specific physical training, the function
movement screen score and external and internal rotator muscle strength showed
statistically significant increases. Among kinematic factors, only pull distance showed
improvement after training. [Conclusion] Eight weeks of specific physical training for
dynamic stabilizer muscles enhanced the rotator cuff muscle strength, core stability,
throw distance, and flexibility of javelin throwers. These results suggest that specific
physical training can be useful for preventing shoulder injuries and improving the
performance for javelin throwers.