2020 Volume 41 Pages 287-294
Purpose: To clarify the characteristics of physique, static posture, and shoulder range of motion in Japanese elite para swimming athletes with unilateral congenital upper limb deficiency.
Method: Participants were six Japanese elite para-swimming athletes with unilateral congenital upper limb deficiency. Height, body mass, upper arm length, forearm length, maximum brachial circumference, shoulder range of motion, inter-elbow distance, shoulder rotary distance, heel-buttock distance and stream line posture were evaluated. The shoulder range of motion was compared to the general normal range of motion, and asymmetry was confirmed by an existence of side to side difference. Streamline posture of each participant was qualitatively evaluated.Result: Since the range of motion in flexion was restricted in five participants and internal rotation in the deficient limb were more restricted in all participants as well as extension and external rotation in five subjects than the sound side, side to side difference was observed. Inter-elbow distance which reflects flexibility of the shoulder complex was greater when deficient limb was at the upper side in all participants. Excessive lumber extension in three participants and inadequate shoulder flexion in the streamline position were observed in five participants.Conclusion: Physical characteristics of Japanese elite para swimming athletes with unilateral congenital upper limb deficiency is represented the restricted range of motion in shoulder flexion and internal rotation of the deficient limb. Educational physiotherapy intervention may be required to gain ideal streamline posture, to increase propulsion force, and to prevent swimmer's shoulder.
