Shoulder strength in amateur swimmers

The present study quantitatively investigated the difference in internal and external shoulder rotation strength and endurance in swimmers with painful shoulders compared with those without pain. In previous literature elite swimming athletes have been investigated, however little research has been conducted on the effects of shoulder pain in recreational swimmers. 12 amateur swimmers (5 male and 7 female participants) were recruited from metropolitan swimming squads, 7 with shoulder pain and 5 without shoulder pain. Internal and external shoulder rotation were measured using a Biodex isokinetic dynamometer. Peak torque, internal to external peak torque ratios, peak torque to body weight ratios and work to body weight ratios were recorded at speeds of 60sec and 240sec. There was a significant difference between swimmers with pain and swimmers with no pain for internal rotation peak torque to body weight ratio at 240sec. Effect size data demonstrated large to very large differences between those with pain and those with no pain for peak torque to body weight, work to body weight ratios and internal to external ratios for both speeds. The results suggest that swimmers with pain generally produce lower measures of shoulder strength and endurance, particularly when comparing internal rotation endurance strength. This may indicate that internal rotators should not be neglected when rehabilitating injured shoulders. This minor thesis was written by a post-graduate student as part of the requirements of the Master of Health Science (Osteopathy) program