Are the shoulder joint function, stability, and mobility tests predictive of handstand execution?

TL;DR

This study found that shoulder joint function tests do not predict handstand performance in novice college athletes.

Contribution

The study introduces a novel investigation into the relationship between shoulder function and handstand execution in novice athletes.

Findings

No significant relationship was found between shoulder joint stability or mobility and handstand quality in novice athletes.

Novice athletes may lack the skill to perform handstands well, regardless of shoulder function.

Abstract

Handstand is a basic element common across gymnastic disciplines and physical education classes that is frequently evaluated for quality in competition or skill acquisition. The correct handstand execution relies on maintaining balance, for which the shoulders seem particularly important. This study explores the relationship between shoulder joint function and the quality of handstand execution in novice college athletes (n = 111; aged 19–23 years). We assessed the shoulder joint function using standardized field tests (Upper Quarter Y Balance Test and Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test) and evaluated handstand execution on official rating scale. Ordinal logistic regression models showed no relationship between the quality of handstand execution (E-score) and measures of shoulder joint stability or mobility in our sample (POR = 0.97 [0.91, 1.03] and 1.00 [0.91, 1.09] for E-score). Two major factors may have caused an observed pattern of results. Firstly, the standardized tests assess shoulder joints in different loads and ranges of motion compared to handstands. Secondly, our novice sample was not able to perform the handstand sufficiently well. In our sample of novice college athletes, shoulder function seems not related to handstand execution as other latent factors hindered their performance.

Note: formula example for UQYBT Right; med = mediolateral directions; inf = inferolateral direction; sup = superolateral direction.

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