Occurrence of muscle imbalance and risk of injuries in athletes using overhead movements: a systematic review

• Main Authors: Tengku Kamalden, Tengku Fadilah, Gasibat, Qais, Samsudin, Shamsulariffin, Joseph, Jacklyn
• Format: Article
• Published: Montenegrin Sports Academy and University of Montenegro 2021
• Online Access: http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/94410/; http://www.sportmont.ucg.ac.me/?sekcija=article&artid=1852
• Institution: Universiti Putra Malaysia

The purpose of this study was to examine injuries attributed to muscle imbalance in sports with overhead move- ments. Available sources in the period between 2010 and 2020 that provide an overview of the occurrence of muscle imbalance and the risk of injuries in overhead sports were evaluated. A comprehensive search of relevant sources was conducted using Google Scholar, PubMed databases, and other databases, including Science Direct, Research Gate, Web of Science, and Psyc Info. Eleven articles met the criteria to be included in the systematic re- view. Muscle imbalance significantly impacted overhead athletes and was responsible for injuries of the shoulder, lower back, elbow, and wrist. Based on the findings of the review, further study on muscle imbalance should be carried out. More importantly, future research should investigate the muscle imbalance in the non-dominant side and identify relevant exercises that can reduce the imbalance and increase the stability and strength of the muscles on the non-dominant side. Researchers have identified muscle imbalance as a cause of the injuries, but detailed information on the prevalence of muscle imbalance and its impact on athletes remains lacking.