Core stability in adolescent swimmers with swimmer’s shoulder syndrome

Abstract

Introduction. Swimmer's shoulder syndrome (SSS) is the most common overuse injury affecting swimmers and surfers. Core stability is crucial to prevent SSS. The study investigated the effect of isokinetic core strength of trunk flexors and extensors and core endurance on shoulder stability in adolescent swimmers with SSS. Methods. The study involved 30 swimmers, assigned to 2 equal groups. The experimental group (A) suffered from SSS; the control group (B) included healthy swimmers with no history of shoulder pain or instability. The mean values of age, body mass, and height were 12.86 ± 1.59 years, 41.73 ± 3.99 kg, and 142.0 ± 3.96 cm, respectively, in group A and 13.2 ± 1.56 years, 42.66 ± 3.9 kg, and 142.26 ± 4.39 cm, respectively, in group B. isokinetic peak torque (PT) for trunk flexors and extensors was measured with a Biodex isokinetic dynamometer. Four functional tests assessed core endurance: side bridge endurance test, static back endurance test, ball bridge test, and unilateral bridge test.Results. There was a statistically significant between-group difference in mean PT of trunk extension at both angular velocities: 60°/s, 180°/s. No significant differences were detected in mean PT of trunk flexion. All functional core stability tests revealed a greater endurance time in group B. Conclusions. Weak core inhibits shoulder muscles, which is a major risk factor for shoulder instability and SSS. it is crucial to incorporate core stability training into the rehabilitation plan to provide proximal stability for obtaining safe and proper distal mobility across the shoulder joint.

Shoulder pain and injury risk factors in competitive swimmers: A systematic review

“…Ten of the included studies were cross‐sectional designs, 7,13,32–39 seven cohort, 14,19–24 and seven case–control 40–46 . Thirteen studies included both male and female swimmers, 7,14,19–21,23,24,35,38,39,41,42,44 four with females only, 22,32,36,37 two had males only, 13,43 and one failed to disclose participant's sex 45 .…”

“…Ten of the included studies were cross-sectional designs, 7,13,[32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39] seven cohort, 14,[19][20][21][22][23][24] and seven casecontrol. [40][41][42][43][44][45][46] Thirteen studies included both male and female swimmers, 7,14,[19][20][21]23,24,35,38,39,41,42,44 four with females only, 22,32,36,37 two had males only, 13,43 and one failed to disclose participant's sex. 45 Seven studies involved Note: Categories of the overall method quality adopted from Asker et al 30 T A B L E 1 Criteria and definitions of the overall method quality.…”

“…No studies met the criteria 30 for high-quality methodology. Eleven studies were acceptable quality, 7,14,[19][20][21][22]24,38,[42][43][44] eleven borderline qua lity, 23,[32][33][34][35]37,[39][40][41]45,46 and two were deemed unacceptable and not included in the best evidence synthesis. 13,36 The least commonly met criteria across all studies was the failure to calculate required sample size (see online supplementary material S3).…”

“…Abdelmohsen et al 46 5 Borderline Note: Studies were rated using a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. 26 The maximum score for each study design indicated the lowest risk of bias.…”

“…In addition to abduction and external rotation endurance, one case-control study found multiple significant findings relating to various measures of shoulder and core strength-endurance. 46 While being careful not to overstate the clinical relevance of shoulder strength-endurance given its limited evidence, this is perhaps the modifiable-intrinsic risk factor with the greatest supporting evidence. When combined with its capacity to be modified with appropriate shoulder injury prevention programs, strength-endurance has potential to be a highly clinically relevant measure.…”