Analysis of Strength Training in Competitive Swimmers

Abstract

A relationship between shoulder strength and soreness in swimmers may indicate need for strengthening. Study objectives included determining if strength can be improved with exercises, and if improving strength decreases soreness in swimmers. Dominant arm strength of both groups was measured for five shoulder motions using hand-held dynamometry. The experimental group performed shoulder exercises to strengthen these motions. All participants were re-tested at six and twelve weeks. The changes in strength for each motion and pain was compared between groups using a mixed design two-way ANOVA to determine if a difference existed in strength or soreness between groups. The experimental group significantly increased external rotation strength. Adolescents who performed exercises increased external rotation strength compared to adolescents who only swam.