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NCT Number: NCT07419412

Isometric Strength and Joint Mobility Profile in Elite Artistic Swimmers Across Competitive Categories

This cross-sectional observational study aims to establish reference values for joint mobility and isometric muscle strength in elite artistic swimmers across different competitive categories. The study will analyze inter-limb asymmetries and agonist-antagonist strength ratios in upper and lower limbs. Additionally, relationships between isometric strength, countermovement jump performance, and handgrip strength will be explored to assess their utility as functional performance indicators. Participants will be assessed during national team training camps using standardized, validated measurement protocols. The findings are expected to contribute to the identification of sport-specific functional profiles and potential injury risk factors in artistic swimming.

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Key information

Conditions

Swimming Assessment, Self Stretch

Age range

14 year–50 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

University of Vigo

Pontevedra, 36004, Spain

Location status: Recruiting

Location contact

Pablo Hernández Lucas, phd

CONTACT

[email protected]

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Elite artistic swimmers selected for the Spanish National Artistic Swimming Team (Infant, Junior, or Senior categories).
  • Age consistent with the competitive category: Infant 14-16 years, Junior 16-18 years, Senior ≥18 years.
  • Attendance at the national team training camp where the assessments are performed.
  • Voluntary participation with written informed consent (and assent/parental or legal guardian consent for minors).

Exclusion criteria

  • Acute musculoskeletal or joint injury affecting the tested regions (shoulder, hip, elbow, knee) at the time of assessment.
  • Chronic, previous, or any other condition that may limit participation or bias the measurements.
  • Inability to attend the assessment session(s) during the training camp.

Treatment and study plan

Standardized Functional Performance Assessment

Other

Participants undergo a standardized, non-invasive functional assessment protocol conducted during national team training camps. The evaluation includes anthropometric measurements, photographic goniometry of shoulder and hip joint mobility, isometric muscle strength testing of upper and lower limbs using a validated force sensor, countermovement jump performance assessed on a contact platform, and handgrip strength measured with a digital dynamometer. All procedures are performed in a single assessment session following standardized positioning, timing, and rest intervals.

Primary outcomes

  1. Isometric Muscle Strength (Peak Force) of Upper and Lower Limbs

    Time frame: Day 1

    Peak isometric force obtained during maximal voluntary isometric contractions (3-second efforts, best of three trials) for key muscle groups involved in artistic swimming, assessed bilaterally (dominant and non-dominant limbs). Upper-limb tests include shoulder internal/external rotation, ASH and iASH positions, and elbow flexion/extension. Lower-limb tests include hip flexion/extension/abduction/adduction and knee extension/flexion. Values will be recorded as absolute force and normalized to body mass when applicable.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Shoulder Joint Mobility

    Time frame: Day 1

    Shoulder range of motion (degrees) assessed using standardized photographic goniometry, including internal and external rotation at 90° abduction and horizontal abduction. Measurements are performed bilaterally using anatomical landmarks and digital angle analysis software.

  2. Hip Joint Mobility

    Time frame: Day 1

    Hip range of motion (degrees) measured bilaterally using photographic goniometry, including hip flexion (straight leg raise), hip extension (Thomas test), hip abduction, and internal and external rotation with hip and knee at 90°.

  3. Inter-limb Strength Asymmetries

    Time frame: Day 1

    Between-limb asymmetries calculated from bilateral isometric strength values for upper and lower limbs, comparing dominant vs non-dominant and right vs left sides to describe asymmetry profiles across competitive categories.

  4. Agonist-Antagonist Strength Ratios

    Time frame: Day 1

    Strength ratios derived from isometric peak force of opposing muscle groups, including shoulder internal/external rotators and other relevant muscle actions, to characterize muscle balance profiles in artistic swimmers.

  5. Lower-Limb Explosive Power (Countermovement Jump)

    Time frame: Day 1

    Jump height measured during countermovement jump testing on a validated contact platform, including bilateral and unilateral jumps. Best performance from three trials per condition is recorded.

  6. Handgrip Strength

    Time frame: Day 1

    Maximal voluntary handgrip strength measured bilaterally using a digital dynamometer. Three maximal 3-second contractions are performed per hand, and mean values are recorded.

  7. Associations Between Isometric Strength and Functional Performance Measures

    Time frame: Day 1

    Correlations between isometric strength values and functional performance indicators (countermovement jump and handgrip strength) to explore their utility as surrogate functional assessment tools.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Pablo H Hernández, Phd

CONTACT

[email protected]

986 80 17 50 ext. 034

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Vigo

Other

Registry information

Official study title

General Assessment of Strength and Mobility in Artistic Swimmers of the Spanish Swimming Federation

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Feb 19, 2026
Registry last updated
Feb 23, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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