Swimmers' shoulder injury prevention by correctly evaluating technical errors

Background and Study Aim: Shoulder pain is common in young swimmers. The aim of this study was the knowledge about the occurrence and reasons behind shoulder injuries and muscle imbalances in adolescent Latvian freestyle swimmers. Material and Methods: Thirty-six male competitive freestyle swimmers from 3 age groups (13-18 years old) from different clubs in Riga, Latvia, were selected. To find out the causes of shoulder injury and muscle imbalance, the data were collected using a questionnaire, a body posture assessment, and a video analysis. The data were analysed using the mean (M); standard deviations (SD or ±); chi-square test (χ²); analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post-hoc Tukey's tests. Results: The questionnaire showed significant relationships between using small and big paddles and experiencing pain, especially in group two. The body posture analysis for points of external ear opening, acromion, radial point, outer points of the palm, highest point of the Iliac crest, trochanter, and upper end of fibula bone showed significant differences (p<0.05). The body deviation forward, the so-called ‘body falling’ forward, was in groups. The video analysis revealed that the streamlined position is not achieved because the body is not in line. Conclusions: The coaches should correctly evaluate the swimmers' technical errors. The present study's findings illustrate the need for a validated shoulder injury prevention program in swimming.