Abstract
This study aims to examine the effect of rotator cuff exercise (RCE) based on the kinematic analysis, functionality, and pain among Diyala University volleyball players who are experiencing shoulder pain. This study was conducted on 30 volleyball players and divided randomly into two groups: i) the control group who performed general exercise, and ii) the experimental group who conducted the RCE for six weeks. The RCE consists of the serratus anterior strengthening exercises, trapezius strengthening exercises, and glenohumeral strengthening exercises. This study applied three questionnaires to measure the effect of the intervention program: i) visual analogue scale (VAS), ii) Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, and iii) Western Ontario Rotator Cuff (WORC) index. One-way MANCOVA demonstrated that there was a statistically significant difference between the control and experimental group for DASH and VAS, F(2, 25) = 174.9, p < 0.0005, Wilks' _ = 0.067, partial _2 = .933. There was also statistically significant difference for WORC, F(7, 15) = 10.13, p = 0.00, Wilks' _ = 0.175, partial _2 = .902. All kinematic parameters demonstrated statistically significant differences (p _ 0.05) except for the wrist angle (p=0.59), jump height (p=0.58), and range of motion (p=0.59). In conclusion, this study demonstrated that RCE lessens the volleyball player_s shoulder pain and enhances functionality and movement during spikes. As implications, RCE intervention improved the player_s spiking performance and aided practitioners in managing shoulder pain, which frequently occurs in volleyball players.