The relationship between shoulder proprioception and throwing accuracy in handball players

Abstract

Introduction: Ball throwing is one of the most important actions required in handball. To be performed successfully, a throw relies on two factors: velocity and accuracy. While factors at increasing velocity of the throw have been well understood, factors that improve accuracy are still debated, with exercise and shoulder proprioception being linked to more precise throws. Therefore, this study aims to investigate whether a correlation exists between shoulder proprioception and throwing accuracy in a group of Maltese handball players. Method: 13 subjects were randomly allocated to either the intervention (INT, n = 7, age 26.1 ±6.1) or control (CON, n = 6, age = 25.3 ±5.0) groups. The INT group underwent a 6-week plyometric exercise intervention, while the control group carried on with their normal handball routine. The functional throwing performance index (FTPI) was used to measure throwing accuracy, whilst the laser pointer assisted angle reproduction test (LP-ART) was used to measure shoulder proprioception (JPS). These measures were assessed prior to the commencement of the intervention programme and again following the 6-week exercise programme. Results: A 6-week intervention resulted in trends of improvement in JPS, while no improvement was noted in throwing accuracy. Significant positive correlations between FTPI and LPART scores at 125° (r (7) = .837, P = 0.019) abduction and 125° flexion (r (7) = .908, P = 0.05) were also found. Conclusion: This study concluded that a 6 week plyometric exercise programme resulted in improvements in shoulder proprioception but had no effects on throwing accuracy.