Shoulder pain in swimmers: A 12-month prospective cohort study of incidence and risk factors

Abstract

Objective: To investigate shoulder pain incidence rates and selected risk factors for shoulder pain in competitive swimmers. Design: 12-month prospective cohort study. Setting: Five swimming clubs in Melbourne, Australia. Participants: 74 (37 M, 37 F) competitive swimmers ranging in age from 11 to 27 years and performing at least five swim sessions per week. Assessment of risk factors: Swimmers completed a baseline questionnaire regarding demographics, anthropometric features, swimming characteristics and training and injury history. Active shoulder internal (IR) and external rotation (ER) range of motion and passive joint laxity were measured. Main outcome measurements: Shoulder pain was se..