Biomechanical Mechanisms of Soft Tissue Deformation during the Volleyball Spike

No current studies have examined in vivo glenohumeral kinematics during the overhead volleyball spike despite the high prevalence of spike-related shoulder pain. The extreme shoulder positions achieved by volleyball players during the spike motion may contribute to unique deformations that could result in structural change or pathology of the rotator cuff and long head biceps tendons. The purpose of this study is to determine the extent to which GH kinematics differ between SAB and a simulated volleyball spike at a self-selected position of ball contact.