The relationship among posture, shoulder range of motion, and intensity of pain in female collegiate swimmers

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a correlation existed between posture, excessive or limited range of motion, and shoulder pain.; Problem. Literature is limited in demonstrating any type of correlation between posture, flexibility, and shoulder pain.; Method. 14 NCAA division II female swimmers were used. The instruments included: a posture analysis, goniometer, and a pain scoring scale.; Findings. No significant correlation was found between posture, pain, and shoulder range of motion, indicating a relatively homogenous group of female athletes.; Conclusion. The data collected showed range of motion analysis to be within normal limits, pain to be relatively minimal, and posture scores to have minimal posture deviations. Possibly the specific training of this particular team has had a positive effect on the variables examined. Future studies could include male swimmers or swimmers at other institutions where Pilates and core stabilization training are not performed.