Ted Becker and Rod Havriluk found that many swimmers have differences in muscle strength between between the front (anterior) and back (posterior) of the muscles surrounding the shoulders. This reduces swimming performances as well as increasing risk of shoulder injuries. The authors recommended evaluation of the anterior-posterior muscle balance and, if necessary a remedial strengthening programme with emphasis on increasing the strength of the shoulder abductors. Increasing the ratio of backstroke to front crawl training volumes may also be beneficial.

Click here to view the full article

Becker, T, and Havriluk, R. (2006). Bilateral and antero-posterior muscular imbalances in swimmers. In J.P. Vilas-Boas, F. Alves, A. Marques (eds.) Xth International Symposium on Biomechanics and Medicine in Swimming, University of Porto, Porto, June, 2006. pp.327-328.