Range of Motion of the Lower Limb and Its Relationship With the Onset of Posterior Muscle Discomfort in Competitive Swimmers.

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the relationship between the joint characteristics of the lower limb and the onset of posterior muscle discomfort in competitive swimmers.

DESING: Cross-sectional observational study.

SETTING

This is a private practice studio.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 157 competitive swimmers (86 men and 71 women) were included: 35 in the infant category (14-15 years), 38 in the junior category (16-20 years), 36 in the absolute category (older than 21 years), and 48 in the master category (older than 25 years).

ASSESSMENT OF RISK FACTORS: Range of motion (ROM) of the lumbar region, hip (flexion, extension, rotation), knee (flexion and extension), and ankle dorsiflexion (with knee flexed and extended) were measured. Flexibility was assessed using the Seat and Reach Test and the Straight Leg Raise Test. Discomfort in the posterior muscle chain was self-reported and classified by anatomical region (lumbar, hamstrings, gastrocnemius, plantar muscles).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Joint ROM values and self-reported posterior muscle discomfort.

RESULTS

Women showed greater ROM in most joints, except hip extension. Freestyle swimmers reported the highest rates of posterior discomfort, particularly in the gastrocnemius. Swimmers in the absolute and master categories experienced more gastrocnemius and plantar muscle discomfort, while younger swimmers reported fewer issues. Reduced lumbar and hamstring flexibility was associated with increased discomfort in those areas. Swimmers with gastrocnemius and plantar discomfort had significantly lower ankle dorsiflexion.

CONCLUSIONS

Competitive swimmers who reported posterior muscle discomfort during swimming showed poorer flexibility in the hamstrings and gastrocnemius, along with reduced ankle dorsiflexion, compared with those without discomfort. These findings may help guide injury prevention strategies and training planning.