Swimming Practice and Scapular Kinematics, Scapulothoracic Muscle Activity, and the Pressure-Pain Threshold in Young Swimmers

Abstract

Context Whereas alterations in scapular kinematics, scapulothoracic muscle activity, and pain sensitivity have been described in adult swimmers, no researchers have examined these outcomes in young swimmers. Objectives To compare scapular kinematics, scapulothoracic muscle activation, and the pressure-pain threshold (PPT) of the shoulder muscles among young nonpractitioners (those who were not involved in sports involving the upper limbs), amateur swimmers, and competitive swimmers. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Laboratory. Patients or Other Participants A total of 90 individuals (age = 11.63 ± 0.61 years) in 3 groups: nonpractitioners, amateur swimmers, and competitive swimmers. Intervention(s) Scapular kinematics and activity of the upper trapezius, lower trapezius, and serratus anterior (SA) were measured during upper extremity elevation in the scapular plane. The PPT was assessed in the upper trapezius, infraspinatus, supraspinatus, middle deltoid, and tibialis anterior. Main Outcome Measure(s) Scapular kinematics, scapulothoracic muscle activation, and PPT. We conducted a 2-way mixed-model analysis of variance and a 1-way analysis of variance for scapular rotation and PPT, respectively. A Kruskal-Wallis test was used to assess muscle activity. The α level was set at .05. Results Competitive swimmers presented more internal rotation at 90° (P = .03) and 120° (P = .047) and more anterior tilt at 90° (P = .03) than nonpractitioners. Amateur swimmers demonstrated more anterior tilt at 90° (P = .004) and 120° (P = .005) than nonpractitioners. Competitive swimmers had greater SA activation in the intervals from 60° to 90° (P = .02) and 90° to 120° (P = .01) than amateur swimmers. They also displayed more SA activation in the interval from 90° to 120° than nonpractitioners (P = .04). No differences were found in any of the muscles for the PPT (P > .05). Conclusions Young competitive swimmers presented alterations in scapular kinematics and scapulothoracic muscle activation during upper extremity elevation that may be due to sport practice. Mechanical pain sensitivity was not altered in young swimmers.

Scapulohumeral kinematics and neuromuscular control during scaption are associated with passive stiffness and strength of periscapular muscles in competitive adolescent swimmers

“…This may imply that UT and SA serve as the compensators for the stiffness of other periscapular muscles to preserve the scapular rotations. The UT, LT, and SA are important members of these force couples, and they work together to rotate the scapula 6 , 10 , 34 .…”

“…This may imply that UT and SA serve as the compensators for the stiffness of other periscapular muscles to preserve the scapular rotations. The UT, LT, and SA are important members of these force couples, and they work together to rotate the scapula 6,10,34 . Reduced muscle activity during scaption were noted in the UT, MT, and LT with higher values of maximal strength than in those with lower values.…”

“…Once scapula dyskinesis (SD) appears in athletes, the risk of developing shoulder pain is increased by 43% 3 SD is commonly seen in the non-breathing side 4 or the injured shoulder 5 of competitive front-crawl swimmers. During scaption, internal rotation and anterior tilting of the scapula are more pronounced in young competitive swimmers than in nonpractitioners 6 Since SD is connected to abnormalities in neuromuscular control related to weakness or stiffness of periscapular muscles [7][8][9][10] muscle activity should be comprehensively evaluated within training programs.…”

Is Scapular Dyskinesis effective on Shoulder Strength Profiles in Asymptomatic Young Swimmers?

“…On the contrary, swimming with the wrong technique increased shoulder impingement and revealed differences in scapular biomechanics (10). Young swimmers may be more prone to shoulder and shoulder blade biomechanics changes and shoulder injury during training (11). However, it has been reported that strength training for the periscapular muscles (especially the rhomboids, serratus anterior and trapezius) and shoulder is beneficial in preventing injuries and improving performance in young swimmers (12,13).…”