Assessing the Association of Shoulder Pain Risk with Physical Fitness in Badminton Players at National Tournament Level

Abstract

Background: Shoulder pain which affects sports performance and activities of daily life, is a common musculoskeletal problem experienced by badminton players. Objectives: This study aimed to identify the association of shoulder pain with physical fitness in elite university badminton players participating in the national tournament via medical check-ups. Methods: Physical fitness evaluations were performed among fifty-two 18 - 22 years old university badminton players participating in the national tournament. Handgrip strength, heel buttock distance, angle of straight leg raise, single leg stance, shoulder range of motion, and trunk range of motion were assessed. The prevalence of present shoulder pain was described. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the association of present shoulder pain with physical fitness. Results: Sixteen badminton players (30.8%) sustained present shoulder pain related to badminton. Dominant trunk rotation (adjusted OR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.84 - 0.99, P-value = 0.028) and single leg stance of the nondominant leg (adjusted OR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.94 - 1.00, P-value = 0.048) were significantly associated with the presence of present shoulder pain. Conclusions: Decreased trunk rotation and deficit in single-leg stance balance might be potential risk factors associated with physical fitness for shoulder pain in university badminton players at national tournament level. These findings can help draw the attention of badminton coaches, players, and team members to facilitate physical fitness promotion for badminton pain/injury prevention.

The Characteristics of Badminton-Related Pain in Pre-Adolescent and Adolescent Badminton Players

“…Previous studies focusing on elite university badminton players aged 18–22 years revealed that badminton-related pain frequently localized in the shoulder (13.7%), lower back (13.2%), foot (11.7%), thigh (10.8%), knee (9.7%), elbow (9.2%), and ankle (9.0%) [ 14 ]. However, a past study on the overhead motion sports found different pain patterns among 6–15-year-old badminton players.…”

“…To prevent injury and ensure pain/injury-free badminton participation, a prevention approach should be implemented from the pre-adolescent stage. Previous studies have revealed that there are significant differences between extra hamstring muscle flexibility and badminton-related pain, as well as weak static balance ability and badminton-related pain [ 14 ]. Given the musculoskeletal and nervous system maturation levels of pre-adolescent and adolescent badminton players, it is essential to develop hamstring muscle flexibility and static balance ability.…”

“…Pain related to badminton was common in the foot, knee, shoulder/elbow, and back [ 12 , 13 ]. Another previous study on badminton injury and pain among Japanese elite university badminton players showed that pain related to badminton mostly occurred in the shoulder, followed by the lower back, foot, thigh, knee, elbow, and ankle [ 14 ]. Moreover, pain has other negative influence on badminton players as well.…”

Preliminary Insights into the Diagnostic Accuracy of the Modified Arm Care Screen Test for Overhead Athletes: An On-Field Tool for Injury Prevention

“…Thoracic spine rotation PROM <50 • : Either the dominant or non-dominant thoracic rotation PROM measured below 50 • when in a quadruped position [31,32] Total Body Rotation…”