Establishing the reliability of a novel battery of range of motion tests to enable evidence-based classification in Para Swimming

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the reliability of swimming-specific range of movement tests developed in order to permit evidenced-based classification in the sport of para swimming.

Design: Test-retest intra- and inter-examiner reliability.

Setting: International Swimming training camps and university exercise science departments.

Participants: 42 non-disabled participants (mean age 23.2 years) and 24 Para swimmers (mean age 28.5 years).

Main outcome measures: Intra- and inter-examiner reliability of a battery of novel active range of motion tests.

Results: Good to excellent intra-examiner reliability was found for the majority (32/34) of tests in non-disabled participants (ICC = 0.85-0.98). SEM values ranged from 1.18° to 6.11°. Similarly, good to excellent inter-examiner reliability was found for the majority (35/42) of tests in non-disabled participants (ICC = 0.85-0.98). SEM values range from 0.73° to 6.52°. Para swimmers exhibited significantly reduced range of motion compared to non-disabled participants.

Conclusions: The large majority of ROM tests included in this novel battery were reliable both within and between examiners in non-disabled participants. The tests were found to differentiate between non-disabled participants and Para swimmers with hypertonia or impaired muscle power.

Keywords: Disability; Hip; Inclinometer; Shoulder; Swimming.