Prevalence of Shoulder Pain in Competitive Archery

Background Studies reporting prevalence of shoulder pain in competitive archery are limited. The purpose of this study was to document the features of shoulder injuries and determine the prevalence of shoulder pain in Indian competitive archers. Methods A cross sectional survey of 156 archers (M = 91, F = 65) mean age = 20.27 ± 2.31 (range 15 - 28 years) was conducted during All India Inter University Archery Tournament 2013. Study consisted of two parts - schedule interview and clinical examination of both shoulders. t test, odds ratio and cross tabulation with chi square (χ2) test were the tool of statistical analysis. Results The point and lifetime prevalence of shoulder pain was 54.4 %.( n = 85) and 82.69% (n = 129) respectively. 64.74% archers (n = 101) had experienced recurrent shoulder pain. Positive Hawkins- Test (80.00%), Speed’s Test (60.00% ), lift off test (51.76%), painful resisted isometric supraspinatus contraction (58.1%), and apprehension relocation test (42.35%) were common clinical findings observed in archers with current shoulder pain. The Occurrence of current shoulder pain was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) associated with previous injury (OR = 2.57) and young age (OR = 2.13) but not with extrinsic risk factors. Shoulder pain interfered with execution of sporting activity in 20% of archers. Conclusions Occurrence of shoulder pain in the game of archery is common. Majority of archers with current shoulder pain were found afflicted with overuse injuries affecting supraspinatus, long head of biceps and subscapularis muscle possibly due to secondary impingement.