Abstract
Nine male and seven female asymptomatic elite badminton players were tested bilaterally to determine concentric and eccentric strength values, conventional ratio and dynamic control ratio of shoulder rotator muscles. All tests were performed at 60 and 120°/sec. The study shows significant differences that were similar for men and women: the dominant arm was stronger than the non-dominant arm, normalised peak torque values at 60°/sec were higher than at 120°/sec, the concentric internal rotator strength(IRS) was larger than the concentric external rotator strength (ERS) and the eccentric ERS was larger than the concentric ERS. For females the eccentric ERS was larger than the concentric IRS as opposed to men in whom the concentric IRS was larger than the eccentric ERS. For both sexes the CVR for the dominant arm was significantly higher than for the non-dominant arm. The DCR at 60°/sec was significantly lower than at 120°/sec and the DCR for females was significantly higher than for men. Data presented are important for interpreting isokinetic shoulder rotator strength tests in elite badminton players and could be relevant in rehabilitation and prevention of shoulder injuries.