Shoulder torque changes in the swimming athlete

Abstract

Torque production was assessed in the shoulders of competitive men and women swimmers for the motions of abduction, adduction, and external and internal ro tation. Testing was performed on the Cybex II dyna mometer and the results were compared to controls. In addition, the ratios of torque development for adduc tion:abduction and external rotation:internal rotation were evaluated. The results demonstrated a statistically significant increase in torque production in swimmers for most motions tested. Statistically significant ratio shifts were also noted. The ratio of adduction:abduction increased and that for external rotation:internal rotation decreased. We think these shifts in the torque ratios in swimmers' shoulders resulted from sport-specific re petitive activity that emphasizes adduction and internal rotation.