Prevalence of glenohumeral internal rotation deficit and its association with scapular dyskinesia and rotator cuff strength ratio in collegiate athletes playing overhead sports

Introduction: Glenohumeral Internal Rotation Deficit (GIRD) indicates a 15° or greater loss of internal rotation of the throwing shoulder compared with the non-dominant shoulder. Aim: To estimate the prevalence of GIRD in collegiate overhead sports player and determine whether GIRD is associated with scapular dyskinesia and rotator cuff strength ratio. Materials and Methods: The present study was a Cross-sectional study. A total of 127 collegiate athletes were assessed for passive range of motion, external to internal rotation strength ratio (ER/IR ratio) and scapular dyskinesia for the throwing and non-throwing shoulder. Internal and external rotation of shoulder was measured using an inclinometer with the subject in prone and arm abducted to 90°. Scapular dyskinesia was measured using Lateral Scapula Slide test (LSST) and external to internal rotator strength was measured using a held hand isometric dynamometer. Chi-square test was used to find the association between GIRD and scapular dyskinesia and rotator cuff strength ratio. Results: Prevalence of GIRD (n=37) was found to be 29.1%. GIRD was not found to be associated with Scapular dyskinesia (p=0.237) and ER/IR strength ratio (p=0.411). Conclusion: Prevalence of GIRD in collegiate athletes playing overhead sports was found to be 29.1% and there was no association of GIRD with scapular dyskinesia, rotator cuff strength ratio.