Adolescent Swimmers Research Articles

Testosterone secretion in elite adolescent swimmers does not modify bone mass acquisition: a 1-year follow-up study

To investigate whether high plasma testosterone (T) levels affect areal bone mineral density (aBMD), bone geometry, and bone remodeling in young elite female swimmers (SW). Cross-sectional and 1-year follow-up study. Pediatric endocrinology and gynecology units. Twenty-five SW and 21 control subjects (CON) with breast stages IV or V (mean age 15.3 ± 1.3 y). None. Clinical and biologic parameters, aBMD, and bone geometry. Two groups of SW were constituted on the basis of total T level. High T level SW (HSW; n = 15) presented higher T than SW with normal T (NSW; n = 10) and CON (0.63 ± 0.17; 0.36 ± 0.07, and 0.38 ± 0.14 ng/mL, respectively). The SHBG level (62.1 ± 18.7 vs. 43.3 ± 19.8 nmol/L) and the LH/FSH ratio (1.7 ± 1.1 vs. 0.9 ± 0.5) were higher, and menstrual disorders (60% vs. 23.8%) were more frequent in HSW than CON, and no difference was observed between the three groups for other sex hormones and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) 1 or IGF-binding protein 3. SW presented lower fat mass in the whole body and higher lean mass in the upper limbs only. aBMD was only modestly increased in the upper limbs in the SW groups, but no other bone-specific differences (aBMD, bone geometry, bone turnover markers) were demonstrated between SW and CON at baseline or for aBMD after 1 year in a subgroup of participants. High plasma T levels have no detectable effect on bone mass and bone geometry in SW during the period of peak bone mass acquisition.

Composición corporal y somatotipo de nadadores adolescentes federados

IntroductionThe swimmer is a high level athlete, with long limbs, and whose musculoskeletal components are important in sporting success. However, the fat component is paradoxical because of its relationship with the buoyancy and displacement of the body in the water. The aim of this study is to describe the anthropometric profile of adolescent competition swimmers. Material and methodsA total of 17 adolescent swimmers were evaluated, 10 boys (13.2±1.32 years) and 7 girls (15±1.83 years). A qualified anthropometrist took anthropometric measures according to the protocol of the Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK), with approved materials according to the methodology of Marfell-Jones et al, 2003. Body composition was calculated according to the consensus of Kinanthropometry and somatotype with Heath-Carter's method. ResultsOf all the variables studied (weight, height, folds, circumferences, diameters and lengths), significant differences were found (P<.05) between the sexes in height, arm span, skinfolds (triceps, subscapular, crestailiaca, ileo-spinal, abdominal, thigh, leg, sum of skinfolds), biacromial-bi-iliac index, bone body mass, muscle and fat, ectomorphy, and endomorphy. ConclusionsThere are significant anthropometric differences between genders in adolescent swimmers (P<.05). Such differences, resulting in the development of both sexes, might be highly related to athletic performance of young athletes.

Disordered eating among adolescent female swimmers: Dietary, biochemical, and body composition factors

ObjectiveTo verify associations among body composition, biochemical parameters, and food intake in adolescent female swimmers with and without disordered eating (DE). MethodsSeventy-seven athletes 11 to 19 y old from clubs in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil were studied. DE was assessed through three questionnaires (Eating Attitudes Test-26; Bulimic Investigatory Test, Edinburgh; and Body Shape Questionnaire), body composition by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, and food intake by a 3-d diet record. Biochemical parameters related to iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 were analyzed. The Fisher exact test, Mann–Whitney test, and the Spearman coefficient were calculated. ResultsDE was found in 44.2% of the sample. DE-positive compared with DE-negative athletes presented greater body fat percentage (11–14 y: 27.5% versus 23.4%, P = 0.023; 15–19 y: 30.2% versus 24.1%, P = 0.006) and fat mass (11–14 y: 13.8 versus 10.3 kg, P = 0.010; 15–19 y: 17.0 versus 13.2 kg, P = 0.027). In relation to food intake, DE-positive athletes presented lower protein consumption in the 11- to 14-y-old group and lower calcium intake adequacy in the 15- to 19-y-old group. Most other dietary parameters showed a low adequacy of consumption, with no difference between athletes with and without DE. Four DE-positive athletes presented anemia or iron deficiency. ConclusionDE-positive compared with DE-negative athletes presented a higher percentage of body fat and fat mass, lower protein consumption in the 11- to 14-y-old group, and lower calcium intake adequacy in the 15- to 19-y-old group. Greater attention should be given to the nutritional state of these athletes, considering the number of adolescents with anemia and an inadequate dietary intake.

Can scapular and humeral head position predict shoulder pain in adolescent swimmers and non-swimmers?

The aims of this study were to determine whether scapular and humeral head position can predict the development of shoulder pain in swimmers, whether those predictors were applicable to non-swimmers and the annual rate of shoulder pain in adolescent swimmers and non-swimmers. Forty-six adolescent swimmers and 43 adolescent non-swimmers were examined prospectively with a questionnaire and anthropometric measures. The questionnaire examined demographic and training variables. Anthropometric measures examined the distances between the T7 spinous process and the inferior scapula (Inferior Kibler) and T3 spinous process and the medial spine of the scapula (Superior Kibler), humeral head position in relation to the acromion using palpation, BMI and chest width. Shoulder pain was re-assessed 12 months later by questionnaire. Shoulder pain in swimmers was best predicted by a larger BMI (OR = 1.48, P = 0.049), a smaller Inferior Kibler distance in abduction (e.g. OR = 0.90, P = 0.009) and a smaller horizontal distance between the anterior humeral head and the anterior acromion (OR = 0.76, P = 0.035). These variables were not significantly predictive of shoulder pain in non-swimmers. Annual prevalence of shoulder pain was 23.9% in swimmers and 30.8% in non-swimmers (χ 2 = 0.50, P = 0.478).

A idade do início do treinamento, e não a composição corporal, está associada com disfunções menstruais em nadadoras adolescentes competitivas

INTRODUÇÃO: No esporte, o corpo atlético com baixo percentual de gordura é o mais desejado. OBJETIVO: Estimar a prevalência de disfunções menstruais e identificar se a composição corporal, especialmente a gordura corporal e o treinamento, são fatores associados a estas disfunções em adolescentes brasileiras nadadoras competitivas. MÉTODOS: Foram estudadas 78 atletas, 11-19 anos, da cidade do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. A presença de disfunções mentruais e o treinamento foram avaliados por meio de questionário validado; a composição corporal por DXA e as análises estatísticas pelo SPSS 17.0. RESULTADOS: A idade média foi de 14,6 ± 0,2 anos. Das atletas pós-menarca, 26,3% preencheram os critérios de disfunções menstruais. Atletas oligomenorreicas iniciaram o treinamento esportivo mais novas quando comparadas às eumenorreicas (5,7 ± 3,1 anos versus 7,3 ± 2,4 anos, p = 0,04), porém não houve diferença em relação à composição corporal (massa corporal total e gordura corporal: 56,1 ± 6,5kg e 26,3% ± 4,9 versus 53,3 ± 6,9kg e 25,5 ± 6,5%, respectivamente). CONCLUSÃO: A idade de início do treinamento esportivo, mas não a composição corporal, apresentou diferença entre adolescentes nadadoras brasileiras em nível competitivo com e sem disfunção menstrual.

Age- and sex-related differences in force-velocity characteristics of upper and lower limbs of competitive adolescent swimmers.

While there is a direct relationship between maximal anaerobic power (Pmax) and swimming performance, the relationship between upper and lower limbs with regard to Pmax and force-velocity (F-v) characteristics is not clear. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of age and sex on the ratios of mechanical characteristics between upper and lower extremities of adolescent swimmers. Seventeen girls (aged 14.7±1.8 yr) (mean±standard deviation) and 28 boys (14.6±1.4 yr), all members of competitive swimming clubs, performed a F-v test for both legs and arms. In legs, boys had higher values of Pmax (t43=2.4, p<0.05), Pmax expressed in relative to body mass values (rPmax, t43=3.4, p<0.01) and v0 (t43=4.3, p<0.001), while no differences were found for F0 (t43=1.0, p=0.31) and v0/F0 (t43=0.55, p=0.59). In arms, boys had higher values of Pmax (t43=3.2, p<0.01), rPmax (t43=3.9, p<0.001) and v0 (t43=3.4, p<0.01), while no differences were found for F0 (t43=1.9, p=0.06) and v0/F0 (t43=0.16, p=0.87). However, no sex difference was found with regard to the ratios of Pmax (t43=1.9, p=0.06), F0 (t43=1.2, p=0.23) and v0 (t43=1.3, p=0.20) between upper and lower extremities. There was direct relationship between age and Pmax of legs (r=0.64, p<0.01 in girls; r=0.43, p<0.05 in boys) and arms (r=0.56, p<0.05; r=0.57, p<0.01 respectively), while there was not any significant association between age and the ratios of mechanical characteristics of upper and lower limbs. These findings emphasize the need for separate evaluation of arms’ and legs’ force-velocity characteristics on a regular basis and the consideration of these measures in training design.

Evaluation of Adolescent Swimmers Through a 30-s Tethered Test

Our purpose was to demonstrate that 30-s tethered swimming test can be a useful tool to estimate swimming performance in short distance freestyle events. Thirteen high level adolescent swimmers (7 male and 6 female of 16.6 ± 1.0 and 15.8 ± 0.8 years old) performed a 30-s maximum effort in front crawl tethered swimming. Afterward, subjects completed 50-m and 100-m freestyle events at the National Championships. Both maximum and mean force values obtained in the tethered test related directly with 50-m (r = .78 and r = .72, p < .01, respectively) and 100-m freestyle velocities (r = .63 and r = .61, p < .05, respectively). Fatigue index did not present a significant relationship with any of the studied performance variables. However, a proposed parameter--fatigue slope-correlated with 50-m (r = -.75, p < .01), 100-m performances (r = -.57, p < .05) and with r[La-] (r = -.90, p < .01). It is concluded that, for adolescent swimmers, values obtained from 30-s tethered test are well related with swimming performance in sprint events. In addition, fatigue slope seems to be more associated with swimming performance in short distance events than fatigue index.

Prevalence of dental erosion in adolescent competitive swimmers exposed to gas-chlorinated swimming pool water

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to analyze the prevalence of dental erosion among competitive swimmers of the local swimming club in Szczecin, Poland, who train in closely monitored gas-chlorinated swimming pool water.Materials and methodsThe population for this survey consisted of a group of junior competitive swimmers who had been training for an average of 7 years, a group of senior competitive swimmers who had been training for an average of 10 years, and a group of recreational swimmers. All subjects underwent a clinical dental examination and responded to a questionnaire regarding aspects of dental erosion. In pool water samples, the concentration of calcium, magnesium, phosphate, sodium, and potassium ions and pH were determined. The degree of hydroxyapatite saturation was also calculated.ResultsDental erosion was found in more than 26 % of the competitive swimmers and 10 % of the recreational swimmers. The lesions in competitive swimmers were on both the labial and palatal surfaces of the anterior teeth, whereas erosions in recreational swimmers developed exclusively on the palatal surfaces. Although the pH of the pool water was neutral, it was undersaturated with respect to hydroxyapatite.ConclusionThe factors that increase the risk of dental erosion include the duration of swimming and the amount of training. An increased risk of erosion may be related to undersaturation of pool water with hydroxyapatite components.Clinical relevanceTo decrease the risk of erosion in competitive swimmers, the degree of dental hydroxyapatite saturation should be a controlled parameter in pool water.

Bone health during late adolescence: Effects of an 8-month training program on bone geometry in female athletes

ObjectivesThis study investigated the short term changes in hip structural parameters in high level adolescent soccers and swimmers. MethodsTwenty-six girl swimmers (15.9±2 years) and 32 girl soccer players (16.2±0.7 years) were investigated before and after 8months of training. Fifteen non-active age-matched adolescents were enrolled at baseline to serve as a reference group. The geometric contributions to bone strength in the proximal femur were quantified using the hip structural analysis technique. ResultsEight months of training had increased the bone density in soccer players but not in swimmers. At the total hip, swimmers conserved their baseline low Z-score values while soccers remained above the normal. At the femoral shaft, the cross sectional area had increased for the two groups with a higher magnitude in soccers (3.17% vs 2.31%; P<0.05). The sub-periosteal width had increased in soccer players (P<0.01) but not in swimmers. The Z-score showed an improvement of cross sectional moment of inertia and section modulus at femoral shaft section for soccers (P<0.001), without any change in swimmers. Remarkably, swimmers had improved the Z-score of buckling ratio (P<0.005), while soccers did not. Discussion/conclusionA season of training for sport characterized by impact had induced significant bone geometry improvement in late adolescent females despite expectations that this period of growth represents a plateau in bone maturation. This study adds to the existing literature describing intensive swimming practice as lacking an osteogenic effect when assessed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry.

Body image and the female swimmer: muscularity but in moderation

The purpose of this study was to investigate embodiment in a cohort of female swimmers. Relatively limited consideration has been given to body image in female swimmers and this study endeavoured to provide the first formal comparative insight into embodiment in adolescent swimmers and adult swimmers. Nineteen Scottish female swimmers took part in focus groups and interviews where they discussed issues related to body image; eight were adolescent swimmers aged between 14 and 18 years and 11 were adult swimmers aged between 19 and 56 years. The focus groups and interviews were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. The analysis identified three body image themes associated with swimming: the impact of swimming on the body – muscularity but in moderation, body confidence as transient: age matters, and the influence of others. Swimmers developed muscular bodies that were considered contrary to the cultural thin ideal. There were clear differences between the different age groups in respect of the transiency of body satisfaction whereby adult swimmers transferred their swimming confidence into their social worlds but this was not the case for adolescent swimmers. Implications of the findings for coaches working with young female swimmers are discussed.

Start Depth Modification by Adolescent Competitive Swimmers

To expand upon previous studies showing inexperienced high school swimmers can complete significantly shallower racing starts when asked to start “shallow,” 42 age group swimmers (6-14 years old) were filmed underwater during completion of competitive starts. Two starts (1 normal and 1 “requested shallow”) were executed from a 0.76 m block into 1.83 m of water. Dependent measures were maximum depth of the center of the head, head speed at maximum head depth, and distance from the starting wall at maximum head depth. Statistical analyses yielded significant main effects (p < 0.05) for start type and age. The oldest swimmers’ starts were deeper and faster than the youngest swimmers’ starts. When asked to dive shallowly, maximum head depth decreased (0.10 m) and head speed increased (0.32 ms-1) regardless of age group. The ability of all age groups to modify start depth implies that spinal cord injuries during competitive swimming starts are not necessarily due to age-related deficits in basic motor skills.

Comparison of nutritional intake in US adolescent swimmers and non-athletes.

Swimming is a very popular sport among adolescents in the US. Little is known about the diet of competitive adolescent swimmers in the US but data from other countries indicate several inadequacies, including excessive intake of fat and lower than recommended intake of carbohydrate and several micronutrients that may affect athletic performance and bone accrual. We assessed usual diet, using a food frequency questionnaire and calcium checklist, among 191 adolescent males and females [91 swimmers (mean 13.7, s = 2.5 years) and 100 non-athletes (mean 14.4, s = 2.8 years)]. For both males and females, swimmers and non-athletes generally had similar average intakes of macro- and micro-nutrients, including higher than recommended amounts of total fat (36%) and saturated fat (12%), and inadequate amounts of calcium, vitamin D, and daily servings of fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy products. This first study of nutritional intake among adolescent swimmers in the US suggests that dietary habits of adolescents who swim competitively may jeopardize optimal athletic performance and place them at risk for future chronic diseases, including osteoporosis.

Can scapular and humeral head position predict shoulder pain in adolescent swimmers and non-swimmers?

The aims of this study were to determine whether scapular and humeral head position can predict the development of shoulder pain in swimmers, whether those predictors were applicable to non-swimmers and the annual rate of shoulder pain in adolescent swimmers and non-swimmers. Forty-six adolescent swimmers and 43 adolescent non-swimmers were examined prospectively with a questionnaire and anthropometric measures. The questionnaire examined demographic and training variables. Anthropometric measures examined the distances between the T7 spinous process and the inferior scapula (Inferior Kibler) and T3 spinous process and the medial spine of the scapula (Superior Kibler), humeral head position in relation to the acromion using palpation, BMI and chest width. Shoulder pain was re-assessed 12 months later by questionnaire. Shoulder pain in swimmers was best predicted by a larger BMI (OR = 1.48, P = 0.049), a smaller Inferior Kibler distance in abduction (e.g. OR = 0.90, P = 0.009) and a smaller horizontal distance between the anterior humeral head and the anterior acromion (OR = 0.76, P = 0.035). These variables were not significantly predictive of shoulder pain in non-swimmers. Annual prevalence of shoulder pain was 23.9% in swimmers and 30.8% in non-swimmers (χ(2) = 0.50, P = 0.478).

Extended diagnostic criteria used for indirect challenge testing in elite asthmatic swimmers

The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of asthma with or without exercise induced symptoms among elite and elite aspiring swimmers and to compare sport specific exercise provocation with mannitol provocation. 101 adolescent swimmers were investigated with mannitol provocation and sport specific exercise challenge test. Mannitol positivity was defined as either direct FEV(1) PD15 (ordinary criteria) or as β(2)-reversibility ≥15% after challenge (extended criteria). A direct positive exercise test was defined as a drop in FEV(1) of 10% (ordinary criteria) or a difference in FEV of ≥15% either spontaneous, variability, or with β2-agonist, reversibility (extended criteria). We found a high prevalence of mannitol and/or exercise positivity. Twenty-six swimmers were mannitol direct positive and 14 were direct exercise positive using ordinary criteria. Using extended criteria 43 were mannitol positive and 24 were exercise positive. When including reversibility and variability to define a positive test the sensitivity for current asthma with or without exercise induced symptoms increased while the specificity remained roughly unchanged. Direct positivity for mannitol and exercise poorly overlapped using ordinary criteria but improved using extended criteria. We found a high prevalence of asthma among elite swimmers. The use of variability and reversibility (liability) as additional criteria to define a positive test provided to our mind relevant information and should be considered.

‘Body practices—exposure and effect of a sporting culture?’ Stories from three Australian swimmers

This paper contributes to sport, sociology and the body literature by exploring the ‘exposure and effect’ of culture, in particular bodily practices placed on three adolescent swimmers immersed in the Australian swimming culture using an ethnographic framework. The research reported is particularly notable as it addresses two distinct time points in the swimmers’ lives. The first section explores the adolescent experiences of three female swimmers within the cultural context of Australian swimming by articulating some of the specific body practices and ‘memes’ (ideas, symbols and practices) that they were exposed to and/or engaged within relation to the body. The second section of this paper focuses on the same three swimmers in the ‘present day’, some 10–30 years after being immersed in the Australian swimming culture as adolescents. It excavates their body practices and the relationships they now have with their body, and thus pursues the sustained impact of the body practices and ‘memes’ they were exposed to as adolescents. Analysis employs concepts drawn mainly from Foucault, particularly his thesis in regard to ‘disciplinary power’, ‘regulation’ ‘classification’ and ‘surveillance’. At a club (amateur) and National level, Australian swimming is revealed as an institution, a site and culture where particular techniques of power have become concentrated and have been brought to bear on individuals in systematic ways, with sometimes damaging effects arising for athletes’ long-term health and well-being, particularly if the individuals concerned continue to engage with cultural practices in regard to the body post-career.

Polycystic ovary–like syndrome in adolescent competitive swimmers

To investigate the potential effects of intensive swimming on clinical and hormonal pubertal development in adolescent girls and to determine whether hyperandrogenism contributes to menstrual disorders. Cross-sectional study. Endocrinology and gynecology pediatric units of academic hospitals. Eighteen competitive swimmers and 18 age-matched control subjects with breast stages IV or V. None. Clinical, biologic, and ultrasonographic investigations. A high number of cases of hyperandrogenism was seen in swimmers compared with control subjects (n = 11 vs. n = 5 with T level >0.5 ng/mL), as well as a higher LH/FSH ratio (1.5 vs. 0.9) and SHBG level (58.4 vs. 39.5 nmol/L) and more oligomenorrhea (n = 9 vs. n = 4). Half of the swimmers with hyperandrogenism presented pauci- or multifollicular ovaries determined by pelvic ultrasound. Free T was not significantly different between the two groups. Hyperandrogenism and oligomenorrhea may be part of the spectrum of polycystic ovary syndrome in elite swimmers. Our findings suggest that hyperandrogenism may have preceded the intensive training of these swimmers and may have predisposed the choice of sport for these girls. Intensive swimming may in turn have attenuated the clinical expression of their hyperandrogenism. Follow-up after the cessation of intensive activity would be helpful to evaluate the endocrine and metabolic profiles of these swimmers.

MRI of the knee in asymptomatic adolescent swimmers: a controlled study

BackgroundSwimming is a widespread sporting activity generally regarded as an ideal form of exercise, which has little or no impact on the knees. However, overuse or repetitive microtrauma injuries may...

Anthropometric Characteristics and Nutritional Profile of Young Amateur Swimmers

The aim of this study was to evaluate nutritional and anthropometric profiles of young swimmers belonging to semiprofessional teams. Thirty-six caucasian adolescent swimmers (22 boys and 14 girls) participated voluntarily in the study. Anthropometric data, dietary intake, and blood parameters were determined. Female swimmers had greater values of triceps, suprailiac, and abdominal skinfolds. Endomorphic somatotype was twofold greater in girls compared with in boys. Energy intake and protein intake per kilogram of body weight were significantly greater in boys compared to in girls. On the other hand, girls had significantly greater polyunsaturated fatty acid intake compared that of boys. Energy intake of boys and girls was below their requirements. In contrast, protein intake doubled the requirements of the study population. Furthermore, inadequate intake of carotenes, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin D, and folic acid was found in both boys and girls; girls also had inadequate intake of iron and calcium. Plasma levels of iron, vitamins C and E, and carotenes were similar in male and females swimmers, and they were within the normal range. In conclusion, young swimmers participating in the present study had differences between sexes in somatotypes. Adolescent swimmers had low average total energy intakes, excessive protein intake, and lower intake of several micronutrients in both sexes.

Regulatory T cell mobilization following an acute bout of exercise in human and murine models. (102.5)

Abstract Our lab is interested in how exercise affects regulatory T cells (Tregs). While we have shown that exercise training significantly increases Treg frequency and function in mice, the effects of exercise on human Tregs is less characterized. In the present study we sought to determine if exercise alters Treg frequency in humans following acute exercise. Adult males (n=14) performed a single bout of moderate exercise. Blood was sampled pre-, immediately post-, and 1hr post-exercise and examined for changes in Treg frequency. While a significant increase in CD4+ T cells was seen post-exercise, this was not due to an increase in Tregs. We found a modest increase (~5%) in peripheral Tregs that was due to an increase in total lymphocytes trafficked to the periphery. On a per cell basis, Tregs did not increase following exercise while effector T cells increased significantly (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Only one study has examined Treg responses to acute exercise. In that study, increases in Tregs were seen in elite-level adolescent swimmers. It was hypothesized that during exercise Tregs migrated to interstitial lung tissue. To determine this, we performed an acute bout of exercise in mice. Exercised mice had significantly greater Tregs in their lungs (p &amp;lt; 0.05) when compared to sedentary mice. While exercise-induced leukocytosis is well-documented in human and animal models, this does not appear to be true with Tregs. Tregs do not appear to be mobilized in the same manner as are other leukocytes.

Scapular-Muscle Performance: Two Training Programs in Adolescent Swimmers

Swimming requires well-balanced scapular-muscle performance. An additional strength-training program for the shoulders is pursued by swimmers, but whether these muscle-training programs need to be generic or specific for endurance or strength is unknown. To evaluate isokinetic scapular-muscle performance in a population of adolescent swimmers and to compare the results of training programs designed for strength or muscle endurance. Controlled laboratory study. University human research laboratory. Eighteen adolescent swimmers. Each participant pursued a 12-week scapular-training program designed to improve either muscle strength or muscle endurance. Bilateral peak force, fatigue index, and protraction/retraction strength ratios before and after the scapular-training program. Scapular protraction/retraction ratios were slightly higher than 1 (dominant side = 1.08, nondominant side = 1.25, P = .006). Side-to-side differences in retraction strength were apparent both before and after the training program (P = .03 and P = .05, respectively). After the training program, maximal protraction (P < .05) and retraction (P < .01) strength improved on the nondominant side. Peak force and fatigue index were not different between the training groups. The fatigue indexes for protraction on both sides (P < .05) and retraction on the nondominant side (P = .009) were higher after the training program. We describe the scapular-muscle characteristics of a group of adolescent swimmers. Both muscle-strength and muscle-endurance programs improved absolute muscle strength. Neither of the strength programs had a positive effect on scapular-muscle endurance. Our results may be valuable for coaches and physiotherapists when they are designing exercise programs for swimmers.