Dynamic Mobility, Strength And Range Of Motion In Shoulders Of Division 1 Swimmers

Motility and stability testing is gaining popularity in performance training due to its ability to assess injury risk (Gorman et al., 2012). The Upper Quarter Y Balance Test (UQYBT), an objective measure of upper extremity dynamic balance and functional symmetry, has been linked to injury risk in athletes (Ruffe et al., 2019). Because it integrates several physical abilities (proprioception, coordination, strength, flexibility, core stability, and single-limb balance), it may provide a more comprehensive assessment of injury risk compared to traditional static balance and strength tests (Ruffe et al., 2019, Ribnikar et al., 2024). However, the relationship between UQYBT and static upper extremity tests has not been fully explored. PURPOSE: To determine the relationship between UQYBT and isometric strength tests of upper extremity muscles, glenohumeral range of motion, and the shoulder flexion resistance test in Division 1 (D1) swimmers. METHODS: 20 D1 swimmers completed the UQYBT (medial, inferolateral, and superolateral reach distances from plank position); internal and external rotation range of motion (ROM); isometric strength of isolated lower trapezius, middle trapezius, and serratus anterior muscles tests; and shoulder flexion resistance test (SFRT) on both arms. Pearson correlations were used to test for associations between balance, ROM, isometric strength and resistance, with two-tailed alpha level of 0.05 used to determine statistical significance. RESULTS: UQYBT was positively correlated with isometric strength of the lower trapezius (r = 0.49, p = .003), middle trapezius (r = 0.48, p = .004) serratus anterior (r = 0.38, p = .025), and also correlated with external rotation (r = 0.38, .026), SFRT at 30 degrees (r = 0.38, .026) and 60 degrees (r = 0.62, p < .001). Further, middle trapezius strength correlated with SFRT at 60 degrees (r = 0.38, .015). No other associations were significant. CONCLUSION: This study found that UQYBT is predictive of strength, external rotation, and resistance, with the strongest association observed between UQYBT and SFRT at 60 degrees. Accordingly, UQYBT may be a good comprehensive measure for assessing injury risk or player readiness following injury in swimmers, motivating further research in this area.