The effect of swimming volume and intensity on changes in supraspinatus tendon thickness

Abstract

ObjectivesTo compare the change in supraspinatus tendon thickness (STT) following a high volume (HV) and high intensity (HI) swimming practice in shoulders of elite swimmers. DesignCohort Study. SettingNon-clinical, state swim team training facility. ParticipantsA convenience sample of eight non-injured state and national level swimmers from a regional swim team were recruited for this study. Main outcome measuresUltrasound measures of STT were collected in response to the two swimming practice sessions. Measures were taken prior to each swim practice; immediately after practice; 6-hours post practice and 24-hours post practice. ResultsA significant increase in STT resulted from both the HI and HV (p < 0.05) practice immediately post practice. For the HI practice, the STT remained significantly thicker than pre-practice measures at the 6-hour post practice test (p < 0.05) however no longer significant 24-hours post practice. The difference in the change in STT between the HI and HV practice was significantly different immediately post practice and 6-hours post practice (p < 0.05) however no longer significant 24-hour post practice. ConclusionUltrasound measures of STT following different swimming volumes and intensities may provide information on shoulder tendon loads.