Examining Fundamental Movement Competency And Closed Chain Upper Extremity Dynamic Stabilization In High School And College Swimmers

Abstract

Fundamental movement patterns and upper quarter dynamic stabilization are proposed mechanisms affecting upper extremity injury risk in swimming. To date, there are few studies investigating fundamental movement competency and closed chain upper extremity dynamic stabilization in swimmers. PURPOSE: To understand normative values and determine differences in fundamental movement competency and closed chain upper extremity dynamic stabilization, utilizing the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) and Upper Quarter Y-Balance Test (YBT-UQ), between high school (HS) and collegiate (COL) swimmers. METHODS: Movement competency and upper extremity dynamic stabilization was investigated in 70 HS and 43 COL swimmers as part of pre-participation physicals. Subjects completed the FMS using the standardized 7 movement tests. The YBT-UQ was completed on the right and left limbs in the medial, inferolateral and superolateral directions. Performance for each reach direction on the YBT-UQ was standardized to right upper extremity length (%LL). Variables of interest from the two tests were the individual movement tests on the FMS, and the average normalized reach for each direction and overall for the YBT-UQ. Statistical analysis was completed utilizing a chi-square for the independent test scores on the FMS while independent samples t-test were utilized to examine performance on the YBT-UQ (p<0.05) RESULTS: HS swimmers exhibited a statistically significant greater percentage of below average performance on the following FMS tests: lunge (HS:22.5%, COL:4.7%), hurdle step (HS:32.8%, COL:6.9%) and push up (HS:61.4 %, COL:30.2%). HS swimmers also had a greater incidence of pain with spinal extension (HS: 8.6%, COL: 0.0%). HS swimmers also exhibited statistically lower scores for the medial direction of the YBT-UQ (HS: 97.9+/-9.0 %LL, COL: 101.5+/-7.6% LL). CONCLUSIONS: Individual fundamental movement patterns that involved lumbopelvic neuromuscular control differed between HS and COL swimmers. Furthermore, general upper extremity dynamic stabilization differed between competition levels. This data may be helpful in developing training programs to optimize performance in HS and COL swimmers.