THE INFLUENCE OF FREESTYLE AND BACKSTROKE SWIMMING ON THE PEAK TORQUE AND MUSCLE BALANCE OF THE ROTATOR CUFF

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This study examined the effect of swimming on rotator cuff shoulder strength and balance. Elite freestyle (FS) (n=6) and backstroke (BS) (n=6) swimmers and a control group (CG) (n=12) undertook concentric isokinetic testing in prone (P) and supine (S) positions. Between groups, FS produced greater peak torques for internal rotation in both positions. FS produced greater peak torques in P position, whilst BS had a tendency for greater peak torques in S position, suggesting swimmers produce higher torques in a stroke-specific body position. FS and BS had lower externakinternal rotation (ER:IR) ratios compared to CG in P position, whilst FS had a lower shoulder ER:IR ratio in the S position. This suggests that FS gain in IR strength with an unchanged ER strength.