Shoulder characteristics in para athletes: A comparative analysis of range of motion, posture, and muscle function.

Swimmers showed the lowest bilateral shoulder range of motion compared to other para athlete groups.

• Differences in ROM between swimmers and other groups were statistically significant at p<0.01
• The effect size for ROM differences was described as high
• Total shoulder ROM was assessed bilaterally across swimming, powerlifting, and throwing para athletes
• 31 para athletes total participated in the study

Powerlifters demonstrated higher values in shoulder posture bilaterally compared to swimmers, indicating greater postural alterations.

• Differences in posture between powerlifters and swimmers were statistically significant at p<0.01
• The effect size for posture differences was described as high
• Postural assessments were conducted bilaterally
• Powerlifting para athletes exhibited greater shoulder postural alterations than swimmers bilaterally

No statistical differences in muscle function were found across sports modalities or types of impairments.

• Muscle function was assessed using isometric muscle strength
• Comparisons were made both across sport modalities (swimming, powerlifting, throwing) and across types of impairments
• One-way ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc tests were used for group comparisons
• No significant differences in muscle function were identified in either grouping variable

The study assessed shoulder range of motion, posture, and isometric muscle strength in 31 para athletes across three sports modalities.

• Sports modalities included swimming, powerlifting, and throwing
• Total sample size was 31 para athletes
• Data distribution was checked using the Shapiro-Wilk test
• Statistical analysis used one-way ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc tests and effect size calculations
• Groups were compared both by sport modality and by type of impairment

The findings underscore the need for personalized assessments in para athletes, given that sport modality influences shoulder characteristics.

• Pre-existing health conditions and specific demands of sports modality were identified as influencing physical functions of para athletes
• Musculoskeletal alterations in the shoulder joint are commonly observed in overhead sports
• Distinct shoulder profiles were identified across different para sport modalities
• The authors concluded that personalized assessments are needed for para athletes