Is shoulder rotator strength and balance affected by a single swim practice

Abstract

Introduction: Dry-land training programs that focus on preventing shoulder rotators injuries are essential for swimmers. Normally, training routines comprise strength programs before (Batalha et al., 2015) or after (Ramsi et al, 2004) the swimming session. However, it is unclear if one swimming session will induce fatigue and impair muscle strength and balance. This study aimed to analyse the acute effects in shoulder rotators strength and balance after a standard swim practice. Methods: Seventy-two male swimmers (16.28 ± 1.55 years; 63.97 ± 6.85 Kg; 174.1 ± 7.89 cm) performed strength tests targeting both shoulders before and after a standardized swim practice (with 4600m of total swimming volume in long course swimming pool: 900m of warm-up with low intensity tasks, 800m of technical training, 400m of velocity training, 1000m of aerobic training capacity, 600m of aerobic power training, and 900m of recovery tasks). A microFET2 hand-held dynamometer (Hoggan Scientific LLC, Utah) was positioned proximal to the ulnar styloid process on the posterior surface of the forearm to assess external (ER) and internal (IR) rotators strength. Maximal isometric strength and ER/IR ratios were assessed in prone position, as previously described (Ramsi et al. 2014). Prior to these tests a test-retest was performed in order to calculate the interclass correlation coefficients (ICC) of the IR and ER evaluation. All ICC results were high (0.90). Results: No significant differences were found between strength values before and after the swim practice (table 1).Conclusion: The shoulder rotators strength and balance do not seem to be impaired after performing a standard swim session. Our results suggest that coaches can plan a shoulder rotators dry-land strength training program instantly after the swimming session.