Muscle-Tendon Complex: Performance, Injury Prevention, Epidemiology and Rehabilitation

Dear Colleagues,

The muscle–tendon complex represents a fundamental entity in the biomechanical functioning of the human body, playing a crucial role in the execution of sporting movements and more demanding physical activities. Research in this area has undergone significant growth in recent decades, driven by the need to better understand the mechanisms underlying muscle–tendon functions and improve performance. Additionally, high-intensity sports actions are supported by athletes during their practice, leading to the occurrence of muscle–tendon injuries that negatively impact athletes and clubs. Therefore, the identification of new perspectives of the performance, injury prevention, epidemiology and rehabilitation related to the muscle–tendon complex is necessary. The main purpose of this Special Issue is to consolidate and present the latest advances in research on the muscle–tendon complex. We aim to gather scientific contributions addressing key aspects such as sports performance, injury prevention, epidemiology and rehabilitation. By addressing these topics, this Special Issue seamlessly integrates into the mission of healthcare by providing valuable information for healthcare professionals, researchers and clinicians, thereby promoting a comprehensive approach to care and optimal physical performance. In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include, but are not limited to, the following:

muscle–tendon complex performance, epidemiology, rehabilitation and injury prevention.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Javier Raya-González
Prof. Dr. Luis Manuel Martínez Aranda
Guest Editors

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• performance
• epidemiology
• rehabilitation
• prevention
• muscle–tendon complex

Title: An inter-group analysis of the rotator cuff strength and balance after implementing two 12-week preventive exercise programs for swimmer’s shoulder: a randomized controlled trial.
Authors: Nuno Tavares; João Paulo Vilas-Boas; Maria António Castro
Affiliation: 1.Instituto Politécnico de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal 2.Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal ([email protected] ) 3.Instituto Politécnico de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal([email protected] )
Abstract: Background: The rotator cuff strength and balance are modifiable factors with high predictive values for swimmer's shoulder injury. Preventive exercise programs have been implemented to minimize these risk factors. However, there is a lot of heterogeneity in the constitution and results of these programs. Objective: Verify the inter-group differences in the shoulder internal (IR) and external rotators (ER) peak torque (PT) and conventional/functional ratios after implementing two 12-week preventive programs for swimmer's shoulder. Design: A care provider and participants blinded, parallel, randomized controlled trial with three groups. Setting: Primary health care in a sports context. Participants: Competitive swimmers, aged between 16-35 years old, without previous clinical problems related to the shoulders. Interventions: Twice a week, over 12 weeks, two experimental groups carried out five strength exercises where the only difference was executing the program with weights or elastic bands, and one control group performed a sham intervention. Main outcome measures: Before (T0) and after (T1) the intervention, concentric and eccentric IR and ER PT of both shoulders were assessed through an isokinetic dynamometer Biodex System 3, at 60°/s, 120°/s and 180°/s. After this, the conventional and functional ratios were calculated. Results: Thirty swimmers were allocated through stratified randomization into a weight program group (n=10), an elastic band program group (n=10), and a control group (n=10). In the dominant shoulder, the control group has a drop of concentric IR PT at 60º/s (p = 0.040), 120º/s (p = 0.036), and 180º/s (p = 0.036), and an increase in conventional ratio at 120º/s (p = 0.034) compared with the experimental groups. In the non-dominant shoulder, the control group has a decrease of concentric IR PT at 60º/s (p < 0.001), 120º/s (p = 0.003), 180º/s (p = 0.004), and eccentric IR PT at 180º/s (p = 0.015), and an increment of both ratios at all angular velocities (p ≤ 0.05) compared with the other groups. Conclusions: Including a swimmer’s shoulder preventive program in a weekly training routine has a positive impact on the rotator cuff strength and balance of competitive swimmers. Clinical Trial Registration number: NCT06552585.