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

NCT07419412 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: Nadadoras Hugo
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 45
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

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.

Conditions

Swimming; Stretch; Assessment, Self

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

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

  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.

  Day 1

Secondary Outcomes (7)

• Shoulder Joint Mobility

  Day 1

• Hip Joint Mobility

  Day 1

• Inter-limb Strength Asymmetries

  Day 1

• Agonist-Antagonist Strength Ratios

  Day 1

• Lower-Limb Explosive Power (Countermovement Jump)

  Day 1

Study Arms (3)

Infant Artistic Swimmers

Elite artistic swimmers aged 14-16 years selected to the Spanish National Artistic Swimming Team. Participants undergo a single-session standardized assessment including anthropometric measurements, joint mobility (shoulder and hip goniometry), isometric muscle strength testing (upper and lower limbs), countermovement jump performance, and handgrip strength during national team training camps.

Other: Standardized Functional Performance Assessment

Junior Artistic Swimmers

Elite artistic swimmers aged 16-18 years selected to the Spanish National Artistic Swimming Team. Participants complete the same standardized evaluation protocol assessing anthropometrics, joint mobility, isometric muscle strength, countermovement jump performance, and handgrip strength in a single assessment session.

Other: Standardized Functional Performance Assessment

Senior Artistic Swimmers

Elite artistic swimmers aged 18 years and older selected to the Spanish National Artistic Swimming Team. Participants undergo a standardized cross-sectional functional assessment including anthropometric data, joint mobility, isometric muscle strength, countermovement jump performance, and handgrip strength.

Other: Standardized Functional Performance Assessment

Interventions

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.

Infant Artistic Swimmers; Junior Artistic Swimmers; Senior Artistic Swimmers

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 14 Years - 50 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Child (0-17), Adult (18-64)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

The study population consists of elite artistic swimmers selected to the Spanish National Artistic Swimming Team across Infant, Junior, and Senior competitive categories. Participants are high-performance athletes with national and international competitive experience who attend official national team training camps organized by the Spanish Swimming Federation. This population represents the highest competitive level in artistic swimming within the country and provides a unique reference group for functional performance characterization.

You may qualify if:

• 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).

You may not qualify if:

• 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.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Vigo: lead

Study Sites (1)

University of Vigo

Pontevedra, 36004, Spain

RECRUITING

Study Officials

• Pablo Hernández Lucas, phd

  Pablo Hernández

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Pablo H Hernández, Phd

CONTACT

986 80 17 50; sdfisioterapia@uvigo.es

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: OTHER
• Time Perspective: CROSS SECTIONAL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: PhD

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: February 11, 2026
• First Posted: February 19, 2026
• Study Start: January 10, 2026
• Primary Completion: February 27, 2026
• Study Completion: March 30, 2026
• Last Updated: February 23, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-02

Locations

ES (1)