I found this interesting paper(pdf) on shoulder training. Usually, shoulder rehab focuses on strengthening the shoulder muscles. In this study, the experimental group performed plyometric training in addition to traditional strength training. The plyometric exercise consisted of throwing a weighted ball against a trampoline.
The plyometric group had a significant improvement in shoulder function over the traditional group. This paper goes along with the recent article on fascia I pointed out. In this study, the focused on improving shoulder function by using functional exercises. The authors describe the difference in the two perspectives:
"Historically, rehabilitation programs have attempted to regain shoulder stability by strengthening the scapular and humeral musculature. However, traditional strength exercises are initiated only through voluntary muscle activation. Contemporary theories on dynamic restraint and muscle performance focus on both preprogrammed and reflexive muscle recruitment patterns in an attempt to maximize stored elastic energy and force production capabilities, while also maintaining the force couple relationship necessary for dynamic restraint."
In other words, the reserachers focused on improving elastic energy and reflexes more than just pure strength. It appears to have paid off in this study.
I found this interesting paper(pdf) on shoulder training. Usually, shoulder rehab focuses on strengthening the shoulder muscles. In this study, the experimental group performed plyometric training in addition to traditional strength training. The plyometric exercise consisted of throwing a weighted ball against a trampoline.
The plyometric group had a significant improvement in shoulder function over the traditional group. This paper goes along with the recent article on fascia I pointed out. In this study, the focused on improving shoulder function by using functional exercises. The authors describe the difference in the two perspectives:
"Historically, rehabilitation programs have attempted to regain shoulder stability by strengthening the scapular and humeral musculature. However, traditional strength exercises are initiated only through voluntary muscle activation. Contemporary theories on dynamic restraint and muscle performance focus on both preprogrammed and reflexive muscle recruitment patterns in an attempt to maximize stored elastic energy and force production capabilities, while also maintaining the force couple relationship necessary for dynamic restraint."
In other words, the reserachers focused on improving elastic energy and reflexes more than just pure strength. It appears to have paid off in this study.