In overhead athletes, the shoulder complex joint is strongly required especially during movements of external rotation with abduction. This makes these athletes suffer adaptations both in bone and inert structures.The purpose of our study was to evaluate shoulder axial rotation, scapular upward rotation and protraction of three different groups, team-handball players, swimmers and a control group. Thirty-three male participants, divided into three groups (handball, swimming and, control), aged between 16 and 36 years. Handball players present a lower total arc of motion (TRM), thedifferences found are statistically significant (P = 0.003).Regarding protraction, differences were observed concerning the dominant member both in handball and swimming athletes in resting position (0°, P = 0.007);between the handball and control group (P = 0.005) at 45° of abduction; at 90° of abduction, differences were found between the handball and swimming group (P =0.004) and the handball and control group (P = 0.017). Swimmers are those with higher values of scapular superior rotation in both members.The Handball player`s presented lower internal rotation values; however, theydid not present external rotation gains. These athletes present higher scapular protraction. In this group we found changes that are common in overhead athletes with many years of practice or injured subjects.
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