A A Dingley, D Pyne, B Burkett

By the nature of their physical impairment Paralympic swimmers generally exhibit an asymmetrical anthropometric profile. The likely causes of asymmetry include bilateral differences in musculoskeletal profile, limitations in flexibility, and muscular imbalances 15. This scenario can lead to impaired balance or propulsion 10 and subsequently impaired swimming performance 3 23. Asymmetry may compromise a swimmer's technique, and compensatory action could lead to further muscle imbalances and potential injury 15. Highlighting the need to investigate the relationships between asymmetry and swim force production. Increases in propulsive force generation are generally associated with improvements in swimming performance 17. Swimming velocity is strongly related to the net forces produced at the hand 11, upper arm 8 and the muscle mass of the arm 4. A close relationship is evident between net force, arm co-ordination, and technical proficiency 2. A swim-bench ergometer targets swimming-specific muscle groups and enables direct bilateral measurement of hand force generation without the confounding drag forces associated with in-water swimming 17 18. This data quantifies left and right side muscle strength asymmetry and the dynamical asymmetry produced during propulsion 7. Assessment of a swimmer's force profile 18 and his or her ability to generate symmetrical muscular power 14 is fundamental for swimming performance.