Isometric Strength and Joint Mobility Profile in Elite Artistic Swimmers Across Competitive Categories
Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot listed
Trial typeObservational
Biological sexAll
Age14-50
SponsorUniversity of Vigo
About this trial
This cross-sectional observational study aims to establish reference values for joint mobility and isometric muscle strength in elite artistic swimmers across different competitive categories. The study will analyze inter-limb asymmetries and agonist-antagonist strength ratios in upper and lower limbs. Additionally, relationships between isometric strength, countermovement jump performance, and handgrip strength will be explored to assess their utility as functional performance indicators. Participants will be assessed during national team training camps using standardized, validated measurement protocols. The findings are expected to contribute to the identification of sport-specific functional profiles and potential injury risk factors in artistic swimming.
Eligibility criteria
This trial accepts healthy volunteersQualifiers
Elite artistic swimmers selected for the Spanish National Artistic Swimming Team (Infant, Junior, or Senior categories).
Age consistent with the competitive category: Infant 14-16 years, Junior 16-18 years, Senior ≥18 years.
Attendance at the national team training camp where the assessments are performed.
Voluntary participation with written informed consent (and assent/parental or legal guardian consent for minors).
Disqualifiers
Acute musculoskeletal or joint injury affecting the tested regions (shoulder, hip, elbow, knee) at the time of assessment.
Chronic, previous, or any other condition that may limit participation or bias the measurements.
Inability to attend the assessment session(s) during the training camp.
Trial population
The study population consists of elite artistic swimmers selected to the Spanish National Artistic Swimming Team across Infant, Junior, and Senior competitive categories. Participants are high-performance athletes with national and international competitive experience who attend official national team training camps organized by the Spanish Swimming Federation. This population represents the highest competitive level in artistic swimming within the country and provides a unique reference group for functional performance characterization.
Trial design
Design model
Other
Time perspective
Cross-sectional
Treatments tested in this trial
Standardized Functional Performance Assessment
Other interventionParticipants undergo a standardized, non-invasive functional assessment protocol conducted during national team training camps. The evaluation includes anthropometric measurements, photographic goniometry of shoulder and hip joint mobility, isometric muscle strength testing of upper and lower limbs using a validated force sensor, countermovement jump performance assessed on a contact platform, and handgrip strength measured with a digital dynamometer. All procedures are performed in a single assessment session following standardized positioning, timing, and rest intervals.
Treatment groups
45 Participants
are divided into 3 treatment groupsGroup A: Infant Artistic Swimmers1 intervention
Group B: Junior Artistic Swimmers1 intervention
Group C: Senior Artistic Swimmers1 intervention
Trial outcomes
Primary outcomes
1
Isometric Muscle Strength (Peak Force) of Upper and Lower Limbs
Peak isometric force obtained during maximal voluntary isometric contractions (3-second efforts, best of three trials) for key muscle groups involved in artistic swimming, assessed bilaterally (dominant and non-dominant limbs). Upper-limb tests include shoulder internal/external rotation, ASH and iASH positions, and elbow flexion/extension. Lower-limb tests include hip flexion/extension/abduction/adduction and knee extension/flexion. Values will be recorded as absolute force and normalized to body mass when applicable.
Time frame
Day 1Secondary outcomes
1
Shoulder Joint Mobility
Shoulder range of motion (degrees) assessed using standardized photographic goniometry, including internal and external rotation at 90° abduction and horizontal abduction. Measurements are performed bilaterally using anatomical landmarks and digital angle analysis software.
Time frame
Day 12
Hip Joint Mobility
Hip range of motion (degrees) measured bilaterally using photographic goniometry, including hip flexion (straight leg raise), hip extension (Thomas test), hip abduction, and internal and external rotation with hip and knee at 90°.
Time frame
Day 13
Inter-limb Strength Asymmetries
Between-limb asymmetries calculated from bilateral isometric strength values for upper and lower limbs, comparing dominant vs non-dominant and right vs left sides to describe asymmetry profiles across competitive categories.
Time frame
Day 14
Agonist-Antagonist Strength Ratios
Strength ratios derived from isometric peak force of opposing muscle groups, including shoulder internal/external rotators and other relevant muscle actions, to characterize muscle balance profiles in artistic swimmers.
Time frame
Day 1Sponsors and contacts
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Source ClinicalTrials.gov