ABSTRACT
All ages and levels are represented in the one-hundred million Americans who classify themselves as a swimmer. To investigate the differences between young, highly competitive collegiate swimmers and older, less elite swimmers a survey questionnaire was distributed to 100 collegiate and 100 master’s swim teams. Several questions and possible predisposing factors associated with “swimmers shoulder” were investigated. Results revealed that the collegiate group swam the higher yardage as well as faster times in two distances of freestyle swimming. However, the collegiate and master’s group reported similar percentages of those experiencing shoulder pain lasting three or more weeks, despite the lesser distances and intensities associated with the later group. Chi-square analysis revealed no association between shoulder pain and perceived level of flexibility, hand paddle usage or breathing side for either group. Over 50% of the swimmers with shoulder pain in both groups, perceived that increased intensities and/or distance provoked shoulder pain, indication that fatigue may be the issue to focus upon. Strengthening the muscles of the shoulder provides a strong defense against injury, as fatigue of the shoulder muscles may be the initial antecedent to “swimmers shoulder.” These results give the swimmer, coach and medical practitioner feedback to consider when encountered with a swimmer of any age or level.
