Screening, Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

Screening

Functional Movement Screening

A functional movement screen (FMS) will be performed to assess the athletes’ movement across a range of movements.

 

The FMS consists of 7 different tests, each scored out of 3.

0 - Pain during test.

1 - Some errors in movement pattern.

2 - Minor errors in movement pattern.

3 - Correct movement pattern with good technique.

·         Deep Squat

·         Hurdle Step

·         In-Line Lunge

·         Shoulder Mobility

·         Active Straight Leg Raise

·         Trunk Stability Push Up

·         Rotary Stability

Empty Can Test

An “empty can” test will be performed to assess the presence of injury/pathology to the supraspinatus (Itoi et al., 1999).

Evaluation

1-RM tests will be performed at the beginning and end of pre-season and 8 weeks into the in-season to assess progress. This will be completed for the following exercises:

·         Chest Press

·         Back Squat

·         Lat Pulldown

·         Bent-Over Row

·         Shoulder Press

Multiple RM tests (10-RM) will also be performed at the beginning and end of pre-season and 8 weeks into the in-season. This will be completed for the following exercises:

·         Barbell Lunge

·         Lateral Raise

·         Pec Fly

·         Reverse Fly

·         Upright Row

Flexibility Tests 

A sit-and-reach test and goniometry will be used to assess trunk flexion and internal/external rotation of the shoulder, respectively.

Monitoring

Throughout the year it is important to give feedback to the athlete and the coach in relation to the progress that has been made in the resistance training program.

Report

Three months into the in-season, the evaluation of 1-RM and multiple RM tests show that maximal strength had been maintained from the pre-season gains. This will benefit the increased intensity work in the pool, in particular the speed and power work that are being performed at near race pace. The most recent competition showed the swimmer is on track to achieve their season aims as they are not far off their personal best at this stage in the season. When the swimmer reflected on the race they explained that their strength was fine, however they needed the endurance to maintain their pace. The swimmer has reported less pain in the shoulder after long endurance sessions, demonstrating an effective prehabilitation programme until this point. This will be as a result of the increased stability of the shoulder joints and muscular endurance of the muscles involved in shoulder stability. The next report will address any improvements following the first major competition and will assess any pain following the high intensity block including the training camp.