The effects of preventive rubber band training on shoulder joint imbalance and throwing performance in handball players: a randomized and prospective study

Abstract Objectives To investigate the effects of a strength training program (STP) using rubber band exercises. Methods Twenty-five athletes were divided into two groups: muscular imbalance in the dominant (D) and in the non-dominant (ND) upper limbs. Each group was subdivided into experimental and control groups. Experimental groups performed eighteen sessions of STP. Athletes were submitted to ball throwing and isokinetic strength tests to assess the muscular strength of the shoulder rotator muscles and conventional and functional balance ratios. Results STP improved external rotator peak torque (18.0±0.8 to 21.3±1.0Nm, p