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Baseline Functional Testing in Competitive Youth Swimmers.
Matthew Naftilan1, Steven D Ciliotta2, Nicole Duggan2
1HSS Sports Rehab Provided By Stamford Health Stamford Hospital.
International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy
|November 4, 2025
Summary
This study establishes normative values for functional upper extremity tests in uninjured youth swimmers. These benchmarks aid in return-to-sport decisions after shoulder injuries.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Orthopedics
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Youth swimmers frequently experience shoulder injuries.
- Functional testing is crucial for assessing return-to-sport readiness.
- The closed kinetic chain upper extremity stability test (CKCUEST) and prone ball drop tests are proposed functional assessments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish normative values for the CKCUEST and prone ball drop tests.
- To assess these tests in uninjured competitive youth swimmers.
- To provide benchmarks for elbow extended and elbow bent positions.
Main Methods:
- An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted.
- Fifty-three uninjured competitive youth swimmers participated.
- CKCUEST and prone ball drop tests were performed, with data analyzed by sex and age groups (10-14 and 15-18).
Main Results:
- CKCUEST showed a mean of 17.8 ± 3.5 touches.
- Ball drop repetitions were higher with the elbow extended (dominant vs. non-dominant: 31.8 vs. 28.6) and elbow bent (43.7 vs. 39.6).
- Swimmers aged 15-18 demonstrated significantly more repetitions than the 10-14 age group across all tests (p<0.05).
Conclusions:
- Provides baseline normative data for three upper extremity functional tests.
- Establishes reference values for uninjured competitive youth swimmers.
- Supports the use of these tests in return-to-activity decision-making for young athletes.
