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

Abstract

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.