Quantifying humeral retrotorsion in young swimmers and association with swim volume

Author(s)

Habechian, Fernanda A. P. ^{[1, 2]} ; Lozana, Ana Leticia ^[1] ; Camargo, Paula R. ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Fed Sao Carlos, Dept Phys Therapy, Lab Anal & Intervent Shoulder Complex, Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

^[2] Catholic Univ Maule, Fac Hlth Sci, Dept Kinesiol, Talca - Chile

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: PHYSICAL THERAPY IN SPORT; v. 30, p. 34-38, MAR 2018.
• Web of Science Citations: 2

Abstract

Objectives: To compare the humeral retrotorsion (HRT) among non-athletes, amateur swimmers and competitive swimmers and to analyze the relationship between HRT and swim volume in competitive swimmers. Design: Cross-sectional. Setting: Laboratory. Participants: Ninety children and adolescents, both genders (30 non-athletes: 11.50 +/- 1.94 years; 30 amateur swimmers: 11.56 +/- 1.81 years; and 30 competitive swimmers: 12.63 +/- 2.02 years). Main outcome measures: HRT measurement through the bicipital forearm angle (BFA), by palpation, using an inclinometer to obtain the angle. Results: Competitive swimmers showed lower BFA (higher HRT) compared to the amateurs (mean difference: 8.3 degrees; p = 0.013; effect size: 0.82) and to the non-athletes (mean difference: 8.5 degrees; p = 0.010; effect size: 0.80). A significant fair negative relationship (r = -0.37; p = 0.04) was found between BFA and volume of swim. Conclusion: Competitive young swimmers present increased HRT and a higher volume of swim is associated with a lower BFA (higher HRT) in these athletes. These results can help to improve the understanding of osseous adaptations in young swimmers. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/19711-4 - Adaptations and biomechanical aspects of the swimming practice at the shoulder complex in children and adolescents
• Grantee: Fernanda Assis Paes Habechian Zamunér
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate