Assessment, Self, Stretch, Swimming
Conditions
Brief summary
This cross-sectional observational study aims to establish reference values for joint mobility and isometric muscle strength in elite artistic swimmers across different competitive categories. The study will analyze inter-limb asymmetries and agonist-antagonist strength ratios in upper and lower limbs. Additionally, relationships between isometric strength, countermovement jump performance, and handgrip strength will be explored to assess their utility as functional performance indicators. Participants will be assessed during national team training camps using standardized, validated measurement protocols. The findings are expected to contribute to the identification of sport-specific functional profiles and potential injury risk factors in artistic swimming.
Interventions
OTHERStandardized Functional Performance Assessment
Participants undergo a standardized, non-invasive functional assessment protocol conducted during national team training camps. The evaluation includes anthropometric measurements, photographic goniometry of shoulder and hip joint mobility, isometric muscle strength testing of upper and lower limbs using a validated force sensor, countermovement jump performance assessed on a contact platform, and handgrip strength measured with a digital dynamometer. All procedures are performed in a single assessment session following standardized positioning, timing, and rest intervals.
Sponsors
University of Vigo
Study design
Observational model
OTHER
Time perspective
CROSS_SECTIONAL
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
14 Years to 50 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Elite artistic swimmers selected for the Spanish National Artistic Swimming Team (Infant, Junior, or Senior categories). * Age consistent with the competitive category: Infant 14-16 years, Junior 16-18 years, Senior ≥18 years. * Attendance at the national team training camp where the assessments are performed. * Voluntary participation with written informed consent (and assent/parental or legal guardian consent for minors).
Exclusion criteria
* Acute musculoskeletal or joint injury affecting the tested regions (shoulder, hip, elbow, knee) at the time of assessment. * Chronic, previous, or any other condition that may limit participation or bias the measurements. * Inability to attend the assessment session(s) during the training camp.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Isometric Muscle Strength (Peak Force) of Upper and Lower Limbs | Day 1 | Peak isometric force obtained during maximal voluntary isometric contractions (3-second efforts, best of three trials) for key muscle groups involved in artistic swimming, assessed bilaterally (dominant and non-dominant limbs). Upper-limb tests include shoulder internal/external rotation, ASH and iASH positions, and elbow flexion/extension. Lower-limb tests include hip flexion/extension/abduction/adduction and knee extension/flexion. Values will be recorded as absolute force and normalized to body mass when applicable. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Shoulder Joint Mobility | Day 1 | Shoulder range of motion (degrees) assessed using standardized photographic goniometry, including internal and external rotation at 90° abduction and horizontal abduction. Measurements are performed bilaterally using anatomical landmarks and digital angle analysis software. |
| Hip Joint Mobility | Day 1 | Hip range of motion (degrees) measured bilaterally using photographic goniometry, including hip flexion (straight leg raise), hip extension (Thomas test), hip abduction, and internal and external rotation with hip and knee at 90°. |
| Inter-limb Strength Asymmetries | Day 1 | Between-limb asymmetries calculated from bilateral isometric strength values for upper and lower limbs, comparing dominant vs non-dominant and right vs left sides to describe asymmetry profiles across competitive categories. |
| Agonist-Antagonist Strength Ratios | Day 1 | Strength ratios derived from isometric peak force of opposing muscle groups, including shoulder internal/external rotators and other relevant muscle actions, to characterize muscle balance profiles in artistic swimmers. |
| Lower-Limb Explosive Power (Countermovement Jump) | Day 1 | Jump height measured during countermovement jump testing on a validated contact platform, including bilateral and unilateral jumps. Best performance from three trials per condition is recorded. |
| Handgrip Strength | Day 1 | Maximal voluntary handgrip strength measured bilaterally using a digital dynamometer. Three maximal 3-second contractions are performed per hand, and mean values are recorded. |
| Associations Between Isometric Strength and Functional Performance Measures | Day 1 | Correlations between isometric strength values and functional performance indicators (countermovement jump and handgrip strength) to explore their utility as surrogate functional assessment tools. |
Countries
Spain
Contacts
CONTACTPablo H Hernández, Phd
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORPablo Hernández Lucas, phd
Pablo Hernández
Outcome results
None listed