Correlation between scapular dyskinesia and core deficities in a group of competitive swimmers: an observational study

Background: The core and the shoulder are the focal points of the sporting gesture in swimming and their close connection allows the swimmer to express all his performance skills. For this reason, when one of these two components in dysfunctional, it can also compromise the other. Over the years, both the core and the shoulder have only been studied separately, so understanding their possible correlation is essential in order to improve not only the evaluation but also the treatment of these athletes. The aim of this study is to evaluate and analyze the presence of the correlation between scapular dyskinesia and core inefficiency in a group of swimmers. Methods: The athletes were evaluated through the use of test batteries developed through the analysis of scientific literature and through validated evaluation scales. The tests used concerned: the analysis of the scapular pattern, specific tests for scapular dyskinesia, differential evaluation tests with shoulder restrictions and impingement and core evaluation tests. Results: The athletes evaluated had a mean age of 16.93 at the time of data collection, with a range from 16 to 18 years. Ten athletes showed a type I scapular pattern; in fifteen they showed the presence of scapular dyskinesia while for the evaluation of the core in the majority they showed an inefficiency with chronometric times that are positioned below the average. No athlete showed positive differential tests for shoulder restraints and impingement. Conclusions: Data analysis showed that, in the group examined, there is indeed the presence of scapular dyskinesia and core inefficiency. The limit of this study concerns a possible generalization of the parameters sought, for this reason it would be useful in future research to investigate this correlation also in different swimming realities in order to be able to overcome this limitation and increase knowledge to improve both the functional evaluation and the subsequent treatment.