Best evidence synthesis in support of exercise prescription for the overhead athlete
| Type of exercise (UE) | Recommendation | Strength of recommendation (A–F) |
| Open chain UE exercise below 90° | Based on consistent findings from level II and III studies, UE exercises below 90° shoulder elevation have evidence to support their use in overhead athletes with shoulder pathology. Expert opinion is in agreement with research findings | B |
| Open chain UE exercise above 90° | Based on consistent findings from level II and III studies, UE exercises above 90° of elevation have evidence to support their use in overhead athletes with shoulder pathology. Expert opinion is in agreement with research findings | C |
| Closed chain UE exercise | Based on consistent findings from level II and III studies, closed chain UE exercises have evidence to support their use in overhead athletes with shoulder pathology. Expert opinion is in agreement with research findings | B |
| Isokinetic exercise of the UE | Experts recommend isokinetic exercises both below and above 90° shoulder elevation in overhead athletes with shoulder pathology | D |
| Plyometric exercise | Experts recommend plyometric exercises both below and above 90° shoulder elevation in overhead athletes with shoulder pathology | D |
| Kinetic chain/core/lower extremity exercise | Experts recommend kinetic chain/core/lower extremity exercises in overhead athletes with shoulder pathology | D |
| Sport-specific training | Experts recommend sport-specific training in overhead athletes with shoulder pathology | D |
For strength of recommendation: A=signifies consistent findings in >2 level I studies; B=consistent findings in >2 level II or III studies or =2 level I studies; C=findings from >2 level IV studies or =2 level II or III studies; D=findings from >2 level V studies; F=conflicting findings or findings from =2 level V studies.
UE, upper extremity