Focusing the Shoulder or Considering the Whole-Body in Volleyball Physiotherapy
Focusing the Shoulder or Considering the Whole-Body? A Randomized Controlled Trial on Physiotherapy Protocols for the Painful Shoulder in Volleyball Players
University of Trieste
40 participants
Jul 20, 2025
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
Shoulder pain can be common in overhead sports, and in particular, in volleyball. Different physiotherapy protocols can be adopted depending on the suspected pathophysiological mechanisms. Despite most of the protocols rely only on the shoulder district, some research suggests that treating the whole-body might produce better results as it could influence kinematic chains and correct muscle imbalances. The aim of this study will be to compare the effects of two physiotherapy protocols (shoulder focus or whole body) compared to only education without physiotherapy.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria1
- practicing volleyball for at least 5 years with a training volume of minimum 5 h/wk
Exclusion Criteria1
- history of previous surgical intervention or fractures on the shoulder or spine
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Interventions
This intervention consists in 5 weeks of 2 x week 60 min sessions of physiotherapy consisting in active exercise performed in upper limb, trunk, and lower limb muscles, in a whole-body approach.
This intervention consists in 5 weeks of 2 x week 60 min sessions of physiotherapy consisting in active exercise performed only in the shoulder district, focusing on the trunk-arm muscles.
Single education session providing information about posture hygiene and proper warm-up
Locations(1)
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NCT07072091