The Impact of Shoulder Conditioning Exercises on Injury in Collegiate Swimmers

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between habitual shoulder conditioning and pain and injury in Division 1 (D1) collegiate swimmers. The null hypothesis stated that no relationship would be found between swimmers who engage in a regularly scheduled dry-land shoulder conditioning programs and the incidence of shoulder pain and injury. The study consisted of 13, D1 collegiate swimmers from Valparaiso University. In conjunction with Kent State University, a survey was constructed and distributed through Qualtrics to each participant by email to be filled out every day until the end of the season. The participants responded anonymously to the survey via email. The survey questions included demographic information, participation in shoulder conditioning, and incidence and frequency of shoulder injury and/or surgery. A z-test for proportions at a 0.5 alpha was used to analyze the data. A statistically significant correlation was found between swimmers who performed a dry-land shoulder conditioning program and had one shoulder injury or were unable to train. The null hypothesis was rejected. Therefore, evidence was found that supports a shoulder rotational conditioning program to help reduce incidence of shoulder injury in collegiate swimmers. Recommendations for further research include recruiting more swim teams, recruiting various age groups, further developing more in-depth survey questions, and comparing male versus female swimmers