Risk of injury and kinematic assessment of the shoulder biomechanics during strokes in padel players: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Padel players commonly suffer from shoulder pain and the particularly high incidence is probably linked to the high frequency of strokes. In addition, due to the repetitive technical gesture, an adequate technique is essential in terms of performance and injury risk prevention. Aim of this study was to objectively evaluate shoulder kinematic during the athletic gesture to analyze the risk factors linked to padel strokes.

METHODS: Professional and amateur padel players underwent a three-dimensional motion analysis of the padel strokes utilizing optoelectronic and surface electromyography systems (BTS Bioengineering, Garbagnate Milanese, Milan, Italy).

RESULTS: Twelve padel players were included in this study (10 professional players in Group A and 10 amateurs in Group B). Experience influences the execution of padel strokes with a significant difference between group A and B in terms of gleno-humeral rotation and scapular tilt. Moreover, a subgroup analysis revealed that male players execute voleè with a higher external rotation (P=0.043), and forehand with a higher scapular tilt (P=0.044).

CONCLUSIONS: The results confirm that the high ranges of motion of the overhead strokes could rise the risk of slap lesion, impingement, and glenohumeral internal rotation deficit. However, a correct execution of the athletic gesture is linked with a dynamic stabilization of the humeral head. In conclusion, the kinematic analysis could help in the early identification of the kinematic alteration to build a tailored rehabilitation plan based on the athlete's needs.