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A correlation between shoulder laxity and interfering pain in competitive swimmers
W C McMaster1, A Roberts, T Stoddard
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, Irvine, Orange 92868, USA.
The American Journal of Sports Medicine
|February 25, 1998
Summary
Shoulder laxity is a significant factor contributing to shoulder pain in elite swimmers, impacting their training and performance. This study confirms a direct link between shoulder laxity and pain interfering with athletic activities.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Orthopedics
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Shoulder pain is a common issue for swimmers, potentially hindering training and performance.
- Understanding the underlying causes of shoulder pain in athletes is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between shoulder laxity and shoulder pain in elite swimmers.
- To determine if shoulder laxity is a significant contributing factor to performance-limiting shoulder pain.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 40 senior national and elite swimmers participated in the study.
- Athletes completed a questionnaire to identify those experiencing interfering shoulder pain.
- Standard clinical tests were used to assess shoulder laxity, generating a laxity score.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant correlation was found between the derived shoulder laxity score and the presence of interfering shoulder pain.
- The study confirmed the hypothesis that shoulder laxity plays a key role in shoulder pain experienced by swimmers.
Conclusions:
- Shoulder laxity is a critical factor associated with shoulder pain in elite swimmers.
- These findings have direct implications for the training and management of symptomatic swimmers.