Evaluation of shoulder joint position sense in both asymptomatic and rehabilitated professional rugby players and matched controls

Abstract 

Objective

To assess if joint position sense (JPS) in the shoulder differed between un-injured rugby players, matched control subjects and previously injured rehabilitated rugby players.

Design

Mixed design.

Setting

University biomechanics laboratory.

Participants

15 asymptomatic professional rugby union players, 15 previously injured professional rugby union players, 15 asymptomatic matched non-rugby playing controls had their JPS assessed.

Main outcome measures

JPS was assessed using two criterion angles in the 90° shoulder abduction position (45° and 80° external rotation).

Results

The study found a significant difference between groups in error score (p=0.02). The testing angle also had a significant effect on error score (p=0.002), with greater error scores occurring in the mid range position.

Conclusion

This study showed rugby players to have better JPS than controls, indicating JPS might not be related to injury risk. Poor JPS appears to be related to injury, players having sustained an injury have decreased JPS despite surgery and/or rehabilitation and returning to sport without incident.

Keywords: Rugby, Shoulder, Injury, Proprioception