Effects of different swimming styles on postural assessment in mid-level young swimmers

Abstract

It is well-known that swimming purposes to increase the tonic-postural control. Beyond its physiological advantages, swimming also offers an exclusive platform to explore the complex interplay between body biomechanics and posture. The specific aim of this study was to investigate the effects of main swimming styles on postural balance in young athletes. Forty-one participants, aged between 11 and 15 years old (M=13, SD=1.47), were recruited. The training schedule usually consisted of 2/3 h (2.4±0.46) per day (five to six weekly workouts). Measures included a postural assessment to identify the presence of postural deficits and a baropodometric stabilometry to evaluate the center of pressure. Measurements were performed before T0 (baseline), after 6 months (T1), and at the end, after 12 months (T2). Beforehand, all participants undertook identification of the swimming style and pain intensity level. Results showed that Breaststroke and Butterfly athletes had clear improvements in postural balance compared to Backstroke and Freestyle athletes. In conclusion, our results suggest that a detailed knowledge of the different swimming styles plays a significant role in improving balance and postural stability in young athletes, highlighting the fundamental role of the kinesiology in sports traumatology.