Is the isometric strength of the shoulder associated with functional performance tests in overhead athletes?

Objective: To verify the association of the isometric strength of the shoulder external rotators (ER) and serratus anterior (SA) with the performance of functional tests CKCUEST, SMB-T, and USSP-T in overhead athletes.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Participants: Eighty overhead athletes with no history of surgery in the upper and lower limbs and trunk in the past year, and no painful symptoms in the upper body during the physical assessment were included.

Main outcome measures: Preseason assessment included isometric strength of shoulder ER and SA, and performance of the CKCUEST, SMB-T, and USSP-T. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify if the isometric strength of the shoulder ER and SA could explain the performance during the tests after controlling for sex.

Results: The isometric strength of SA was associated (p < 0.05) with the SMB-T and USSP-T with 4% of explain. The isometric strength of the SA was not associated (p > 0.05) with the CKCUEST. The isometric strength of the ER was not associated (p > 0.05) with any of the tests.

Conclusion: The isometric strength of the SA predicted the SMB-T and USSP-T performance. Isometric strength of SA and shoulder ER was not associated with CKCUEST results in athletes overhead.