Effect of Thrower's Ten Exercise Program on Shoulder Flexibility, Stability and Strength in Water Polo Players

Context: Studies have shown that the thrower's ten rehabilitation program is effective in the prevention and rehabilitation of injuries in overhead throwing sports. However its effect on water polo sports is still unknown. Objective: To investigate the effect of thrower's ten (T10) exercise program on shoulder flexibility, stability and strength in water polo athletes. Design: Randomized controlled clinical trial. Setting: Middle East Technical University swimming pool and training facilities. Intervention(s): T10 group were given thrower's ten exercises 3 times per week for 10 weeks, each exercise being 2x10 repetitions. Athletes in the control group were not given any additional exercise to their weekly water polo training. Main Outcome Measure(s): Before and after the exercise, the upper extremity internal and external rotation strength of the athletes was measured with isokinetic dynamometer, the shoulder stability was measured with the closed kinetic chain upper extremity test (CKCUEST), and the shoulder flexibility was measured with the help of the shoulder joint internal and external rotation motion flexibility test. Key Words: Thrower's Ten, Water Polo, Stability, Flexibility, Strength