Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part B (2024)

Background: Swimming is a beneficial exercise throughout as all body muscles are activated. The function of all systems is improved, especially the general feeling of force, as well as cardiovascular & muscular endurance. Front crawl is the stroke commonly referred to as freestyle. This has come about because swimmers universally adopt this stroke when competing in freestyle events (where the choice of stroke is up to the swimmer). The most common site of injury is the shoulder, with supraspinatus tendinopathy being the most common pathology. It has been reported that 40–91% of swimmers have experienced shoulder pain in and around the shoulder, which may lead to functional impairments, termination of participation and disability. In the freestyle, also called the front crawl, swimming speed is dependent upon many different interacting factors. Thoracic spine mobility is especially of importance during the recovery phase of freestyle swimming which is characterized by a rolling movement of minimum 45° along the longitudinal axis of the body. Decreased thoracic spine rotation during this phase could lead to a lack in body roll, hereby requiring a larger glenohumeral horizontal abduction motion of the swimmer and increase mechanical stress on the shoulder. 15°of thoracic extension is required for full bilateral arm elevation, if not sufficient, shoulder overuse injuries take place. The shoulder only achieves an overhead reach, when the thoracic spine extends. This biomechanics is very necessary for an efficient stroke rate and also in preventing shoulder injuries. In recreational swimmers, due to lack of emphasis in the stroke biomechanics, they are more prone to injuries. Currently, there is no evidence indicating a relationship between thoracic mobility and performance of the swimmers. Therefore, this study is designed to assess the effect of thoracic mobility exercises on swimmers' performance. 
Aim: To study the effect of thoracic mobility exercises on the performance of swimmers. 
Objectives: To study the effect of thoracic mobility exercises on:
1.    Thoracic ROM. 
2.    Speed. 
3.    Stroke rate (swim cadence). 
Methods: A total of 40 swimmers were included in the study as per the inclusion criteria. Outcome measures were taken pre and post 9 sessions of thoracic mobility exercises. Outcome measures were measuring thoracic ROM (flexion, extension and rotation), thoracic mid-curve measurement, speed and swim cadence.
Results: The results showed that there is statistically significant difference seen in all outcome measures post intervention in group I (p<0.05). Group C showed a statistically significant difference in speed of the swimmers. 
Conclusion: The study concluded that the thoracic mobility exercises can improve thoracic ROM (Thoracic flexion, extension and rotation) speed, swim cadence and in turn enhancing swimmers’ performance.