Year: 2025 | Month: October-December | Volume: 9 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 19-27
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/gijash.20250404
Prevalence of Swimming Overuse Injuries in Elite Competitive High School Swimmers in Pune Region- A Cross-Sectional Study
Dr Riya Patkar1, Dr Snehalata Tembhurne2, Dr Snehal Ghodey3
1Former Intern, MAEERS Physiotherapy College, Talegaon Dabhade,
2Assistant Professor, Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, MAEERS Physiotherapy College, Talegaon Dabhade,
3 Principal, MAEERS Physiotherapy College, Talegaon Dabhade. .
Corresponding Author: Dr Snehalata Tembhurne
ABSTRACT
Background: Swimming is a widely practiced sport that offers comprehensive physical benefits. However, the repetitive nature of swimming strokes can lead to overuse injuries, particularly among elite competitive high school swimmers. Understanding the prevalence, anatomical distribution, gender differences, and associations with training characteristics is crucial for effective injury prevention and management. OBJECTIVES: 1. Prevalence Assessment: To determine the prevalence of overuse injuries in elite competitive high school swimmers in Pune region. 2.Injury Distribution: To identify which specific overuse injuries occur most frequently among these athletes in Pune region .3. Gender-Based Analysis: To examine gender differences in the occurrence of overuse injuries in Pune region. 4.Training Characteristics Association: To assess the relationship between training characteristics, such as stroke specialty, and the occurrence of region-specific overuse injuries in Pune region. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries among elite competitive high school swimmers in Pune region. Data were collected through surveys and medical records to identify overuse injuries, their anatomical locations, and associated training characteristics. Statistical analyses were performed to determine prevalence rates, gender differences, and associations with training variables RESULTS: The findings revealed that a significant proportion of high school athletes in Pune region experienced overuse injuries, Prevalence: Overuse injuries were prevalent among swimmers, with shoulder injuries being the most common. Other frequently affected areas included the knee and lower back. Gender Differences: Female swimmers exhibited a higher incidence of overuse injuries compared to their male counterparts. Factors such as hormonal fluctuations and biomechanical differences may contribute to this disparity. Training Characteristics: Swimmers specializing in certain strokes, particularly butterfly and breast stroke, had a higher occurrence of specific overuse injuries. The repetitive motions inherent in these strokes may increase the risk of injury in certain anatomical regions. These injuries are often attributed to factors such as poor stroke mechanics, inadequate flexibility, muscle imbalances, and insufficient rest periods. CONCLUSION: Preventative measures are crucial in mitigating the risk of overuse injuries. Emphasis on proper technique, regular strength training, adequate warm-up routines, and balanced training schedules can enhance performance and reduce injury rates. Additionally, incorporating cross-training and ensuring sufficient recovery time are vital components of an effective injury prevention strategy.
Keywords: Swimming overuse injuries, high school athletes, gender differences, training characteristics, injury prevention.
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