Isokinetic torque imbalances in the rotator cuff of the elite water polo player

Abstract

The specific repetitive activity of water polo, like base ball pitching, emphasizes adduction and internal rota tion. This study used the Cybex II to evaluate the isokinetic strength of the rotator cuff in elite water polo players and in a group of control subjects. The water polo players were significantly stronger than the con trols. Of greater importance was the confirmation of imbalances in the rotator cuff force couples of adduc tion/abduction and external/internal rotation. These changes are similar to those reported for pitchers. The adductors in the water polo group had gained in relative strength resulting in an increase in the adduction/ab duction ratio to about 2:1. The internal rotators had gained in relative strength resulting in a decrease in the external/internal ratio to about 0.6:1. For both force couples the differences are more apparent at a slow speed. Side-to-side differences were not significant.