Background: Shoulder problems are common in handball, but injury risk reduction is possible by implementing a prevention program. However, player compliance to the program remains a challenge, with feedback from players that the program is too time consuming. Aim: To develop a more efficient program, we aimed to assess the effect of the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center shoulder injury prevention program on external rotation (ER) strength and internal rotation (IR) range of motion (ROM), considered to represent key risk factors for injury. Methods: Four youth handball teams (three female, one male, 57 players, mean age 17.1 yrs) were randomized to an intervention or control group. The intervention program was conducted three times per week as a part of handball warm up for 18 weeks, supervised by physical therapists. The main outcome variable was the between-group difference in ER strength and IR ROM change from baseline to post intervention. Isometric ER strength was measured with a handheld dynamometer and IR ROM with a digital goniometer. Results: Mean dominant shoulder isometric ER strength increased both in the intervention (10%) and the control group (6%) during the intervention, but there was no significant group by time interaction (group difference: 0.06 N/kg (95% CI: -0.04 to 0.17). IR ROM did not change in either group during the intervention. Conclusion: The Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center shoulder injury prevention program did not affect the risk factors ER strength and IR ROM. The preventive effect of the program must therefore be due to other factors.
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