Does a water‐training macrocycle really create imbalances in swimmers' shoulder rotator muscles?

Abstract

The continuous execution of swimming techniques may cause muscle imbalances in shoulder rotators leading to injury. However, there is a lack of published research studies on this topic. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of a competitive swim period on the shoulder rotator-cuff balance in young swimmers. A randomized controlled pretest-posttest design was used, with two measurements performed during the first macrocycle of the swimming season (baseline and 16 weeks). Twenty-seven young male swimmers (experimental group) and 22 male students who were not involved in swim training (control group) with the same characteristics were evaluated. Peak torque of shoulder internal and external rotators was assessed. Concentric action at 1.04 rad s −1 (3 repetitions) and 3.14 rad s −1 (20 repetitions) was measured using an isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex System 3). External/internal rotators strength ratios were also obtained. For both protocols, there were significant training effects on internal rotator strength and external/internal rotator ratios (p ≤ .05). This trend was the same for both shoulders. Within-group analysis showed significant changes from baseline to 16 weeks for internal rotators strength and unilateral ratios of the experimental group. Swimmers' internal rotator strength levels increased significantly. In contrast, a significant decrease of the unilateral ratios was observed. Findings suggest that a competitive swim macrocycle leads to an increase in muscular imbalances in the shoulder rotators of young competitive swimmers. Swimming coaches should consider implementing a compensatory strength-training program.

Assessment of Shoulder Joint Strength Disproportion of Masters Swimmers

“…Although swimming is symmetrical sports, long-term and intensive water training, causes asymmetry targeted to the stronger arm (Olivier et al, 2008). The results of Batalha et al (2014) also suggests that swimming training macrocycles lead to an increase of the shoulder rotator muscles imbalance in younger swimmers.…”

“…Misalignment of AG:AN ratio can lead to injuries (Isokinetic testing and data interpretation). Many authors (Batalha et al, 2014;Batalha et al, 2013;Ramsi et al, 2004;Walker et al, 2012;Wiażewicz, 2015) postulates enforcement of compensatory programs, because of the agonist to antagonist ratio disorder.…”

“…Numerous repeats can cause an imbalance in muscle strength of the shoulder girdle (Bak, 1996). Batalha, Marmeleira, Garrido, Silva (2014), Batalha, Raimundo, Tomas-Carus, Barbosa, Silva (2013), Ramsi, Swanik, Swanik, Straub, Mattacola (2004) and Walker, Gabbe, Wajswelner, Blanch, Bennell (2012) indicate that swimming technique can cause a lack of balance in shoulder muscle strength. Olivier, Quintin, Rogez (2008) formulated a conclusion that sport swimming at the highest level weakens the shoulder joint and interferes muscle balance.…”

Modelling the relationship between biomechanics and performance of young sprinting swimmers

“…technique) and hence performance. Such programmes aim not only to help one to excel but also prevent injuries (Batalha, Marmeleira, Garrido, & Silva, 2015); which is a concern that several S&C coaches have regarding the high rate of shoulder injuries in swimmers at such young age (Batalha, Raimundo et al, 2015).…”

Design and Study of Swimming Exercise Equipment: Strength Training of Improving Core Muscles

“…The application of strength training of core muscles in the filed of competitive sports greatly improves the training results [9]. The core strength training can effectively improve the cooperation level among muscles, reduce the load on small muscles and thus make the swimming movements more perfect.…”