The Investigation of Sports Performance and Shoulder Joint Mobility in Young Swimmers

Türkçe

Swimming is a sport involving repetitive upper extremity movements, and shoulder joint range of motion (ROM) is a key determinant of swimming performance. The aim of this study was to investigate differences in shoulder joint ROM and 50 m swimming performance between professional and amateur swimmers and to evaluate the relationship between these parameters. A total of 46 young swimmers, including 23 professional and 23 amateur swimmers aged 12–18, participated in the study. Shoulder joint range of motion (flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, internal and external rotation) was measured using a goniometer. Performance was assessed based on the best 50 m swimming time. Independent t-tests and Mann–Whitney U tests were used for group comparisons, while one-way ANOVA tests and Spearman correlation tests were used for relationship analyses. Professional young swimmers had significantly higher ROM values and better 50 m performance in all shoulder movements (p < .001). The most significant difference was observed in right shoulder internal rotation (t = -18.531, p < .001; Mean Difference = -22.261°). A negative correlation was found between shoulder ROM and 50 m time in all directions (p < .001). Increased shoulder range of motion is a key parameter in swimming performance. Regular assessment and training targeting mobility are important for both performance improvement and injury prevention.