Characteristics of shoulder range of motion, muscle tightness, and streamlined body position in Japanese female para swimmers with unilateral forearm deficiency and in swimmers with vision impairment: a comparative cross-sectional study

[Purpose] To compare the characteristics of shoulder range of motion (ROM), muscle tightness, and streamlined body position in female para swimmers with unilateral forearm deficiency (UFD) to those in swimmers with vision impairment (VI). [Participants and Methods] Female Japanese para swimmers with UFD (n=7) and VI (n=5) were included. Limb circumference, shoulder ROM, lower extremity muscle tightness, gross muscle strength, and streamlined body position were measured. [Results] The maximum upper arm circumference of the deficient arm and shoulder ROM for dominant and deficient flexion, deficient extension, and dominant and deficient external rotation were significantly lower in swimmers with UFD than in those with VI. [Conclusion] Female para swimmers with UFD are characterized by decreased ROM of the shoulder on the dominant and the deficient arms, quadriceps tightness, greater dominant grip strength, and compensated streamlined body position compared to swimmers with VI.