Effects of the Singapore Youth Shoulder Overuse Injury Prevention Program Among Youth Volleyball Athletes in Singapore

The Singapore Youth Shoulder Overuse Injury Prevention Program (YoSO-IPP) includes an exercise segment and an education segment. This study will (1) assess the effects of the exercise segment, and (2) assess the effects of the education segment among youth volleyball athletes using a randomized controlled trial over 12 weeks. Performance outcome measures of shoulder eccentric external rotation strength, shoulder internal rotation range of motion, and thoracic rotation range of motion will be used to assess the effects of the exercise segment. Knowledge scores via an online questionnaire will be used to assess the effects of the education segment.

Hypothesis: The YoSO-IPP will have an effect on shoulder eccentric external rotation strength, shoulder internal rotation range of motion, and thoracic rotation range of motion and on knowledge scores.

A randomized controlled trial study design will be utilized to assess the effects of YoSO-IPP over 12 weeks. A within-team randomization will be conducted. This is to ensure a good balance between the intervention and control groups as different teams have different training regimes, training frequencies and training intensities.

Participants in the intervention group will be required to perform the exercise segment of YoSO-IPP for 12 weeks, at a recommended frequency of two times per week - (a) cross-body stretch, (b) eccentric external rotation shoulder strength exercise, (c) trunk rotation, and (d) modified cat-cow thoracic mobility exercise.

Participants in the control group will be required to perform lower body stretches for 12 weeks, at a recommended frequency of two times per week - (a) double leg calf stretch, (b) quadriceps stretch, (c) hip flexor stretch, (d) seated single leg hamstring stretch, and (e) seated single gluteal stretch. This stretching program is considered a sham program in this study as it does not target the upper extremity and the stretches are only held for 10 seconds.

Participants in both groups will each receive an instruction booklet for their respective program. Respective instructional videos will also be distributed. For the following 12 weeks, participants are to perform the exercises at a recommended frequency of two times per week. They will also be required to report the number of times they performed their respective programs that week via an online questionnaire weekly.

Participants who are randomized into the intervention group will attend an online 45-minute educational workshop in Week 1. This is the education segment of YoSO-IPP. Participants who are randomized into the control group will not attend the online 45-minute educational workshop.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* 12 to 18 years old youth athlete; in the sport of volleyball; trains with an aim to compete; currently NOT undergoing any shoulder or elbow overuse injury prevention program

Exclusion Criteria:

* Below 12 and above 18 years old; not in the sport of volleyball; trains without an aim to compete; currently undergoing a shoulder or elbow overuse injury prevention program