COMPARISON OF ASYMMETRY BETWEEN SHOULDER FLEXOR AND SHOULDER EXTENSOR AMONG HANDBALL AND BASKETBALL PLAYERS

This research explored the differences in shoulder flexor and extensor muscle strength between male handball and basketball players to identify sport-specific muscle imbalances that could impact performance and injury risk. In overhead sports like handball and basketball, the shoulder muscles are vital because repetitive movements such as throwing and shooting are common. When there is an imbalance in strength between opposing muscle groups—known as muscular asymmetry—it can result in inefficient movement patterns and a higher likelihood of injuries, especially in the shoulder, which is naturally less stable than other joints. The study included 30 male athletes (15 from handball and 15 from basketball), aged 17 to 24, from the Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education (LNIPE), NERC Guwahati. Their shoulder flexor and extensor strength was measured using the HUMAC NORM Isokinetic Dynamometer at a peak torque of 60°/sec, which is considered an optimal angle for assessing muscle strength. A randomized control design was used, and independent T-tests were applied to analyze the data and determine the extent of asymmetry in each group. Results showed a significant difference in muscle asymmetry between the two groups (p < 0.05). Handball players had lower asymmetry scores (Mean = 9.80, SD = 3.96) than basketball players (Mean = 17.46, SD = 13.45). This indicates that handball players, who regularly use both muscle groups during overhead throws, have better muscle balance compared to basketball players, who tend to use their shoulder extensors more during shooting. The statistical analysis confirmed that these differences were significant and not due to chance.These findings highlight the importance of sport-specific training and injury prevention. Coaches and trainers should implement balanced strength programs targeting both the shoulder flexors and extensors, especially for basketball players who may be more susceptible to muscle imbalances. Regular isokinetic testing can help track muscle symmetry and guide personalized training plans to boost performance and reduce the risk of injuries.