Scapular dyskinesis among competitive swimmers

- Shoulder pain during training is prevalent among young competitive swimmers.
- Scapular dyskinesis appears during a training session in most young swimmers.
- Dyskinesis should be evaluated after training or simulation of training conditions.

AimTo evaluate the prevalence of scapular dyskinesis (SD) in competitive swimmers during training sessions.MethodsRepeated measurement observational study.20 young competitive swimmers were filmed before, at midpoint and at the end of a training session, performing shoulder flexion and abduction. SD was examined separately by two assessors. Demographic and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaires were collected.ResultsSD was observed in 30% of the swimmers before training, in 70%, an hour later, and in 80%, upon completion of the training session. The difference between the baseline and mid-practice was close to significance (p-value = 0.055), and between mid-practice and end of practice was significant (p = 0.004).ConclusionsThis study confirmed that the prevalence of SD increases throughout a training session in most swimmers. The main reason might be fatigue of the muscles which stabilize the scapula, therefore, when examining a sportsmen's shoulder, it is important to examine the SD post-training or following simulation of the training session in the clinic.