Effects of a compensatory dry-land training program on shoulder posture and scapular position of competitive female swimmers

Abstract

Background: Competitive swimmers place a significant demand on the shoulder adductors and internal rotator muscles due to the repetitive nature of swimming movements. Objectives: To evaluate the effect of a compensatory dry-land training program on the shoulder posture and scapular position of competitive female swimmers Method: 25 National Level female competitive swimmers received an 8-week intervention program focused on strengthening of posterior shoulder girdle muscles and stretching of anterior shoulder muscles. The study sample was exposed to a control period of 2 weeks and an intervention period of 8 weeks. Results: Significant differences were found after the intervention period, on both dominant and non-dominant sides, with respect to shoulder protraction (distance between the anterior aspect of the acromion to the wall – p < .05) and scapular abduction (distance between a medial line marked over the thoracic spinal process and the medial border of spina scapulae – p < .05; and distance between a medial line marked over the thoracic spinal process and the medial border of the spina scapulae – p < .05). Conclusions: The results revealed that the incorporation of a compensatory dry-land training program alongside a normal in-water training significantly reduced the distance of shoulder posture in protraction and scapular position in abduction. Key words: shoulder protraction, scapular abduction, dry-land training, swimming, female.