The effect of swimming volume and intensity on changes in supraspinatus tendon thickness.

Objectives: To compare the change in supraspinatus tendon thickness (STT) following a high volume (HV) and high intensity (HI) swimming practice in shoulders of elite swimmers.
Design: Cohort Study.
Setting: Non-clinical, state swim team training facility.
Participants: A convenience sample of eight non-injured state and national level swimmers from a regional swim team were recruited for this study.
Main Outcome Measures: Ultrasound measures of STT were collected in response to the two swimming practice sessions. Measures were taken prior to each swim practice; immediately after practice; 6-hours post practice and 24-hours post practice.
Results: A significant increase in STT resulted from both the HI and HV (p < 0.05) practice immediately post practice. For the HI practice, the STT remained significantly thicker than pre-practice measures at the 6-hour post practice test (p < 0.05) however no longer significant 24-hours post practice. The difference in the change in STT between the HI and HV practice was significantly different immediately post practice and 6-hours post practice (p < 0.05) however no longer significant 24-hour post practice.
Conclusion: Ultrasound measures of STT following different swimming volumes and intensities may provide information on shoulder tendon loads.
Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None Declared.
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