Prevalence of Sports Injuries in Swimmers and the Predictive Role of Upper and Lower Extremity Y-Balance Tests

Abstract

Background: Swimming, though low-impact, presents a high risk of overuse injuries, particularly in the shoulder, knee, spine, and hip/groin. Identifying risk factors is crucial for effective injury prevention. The Y-Balance Tests for the Upper Quarters (YBT-UQs) and Lower Quarters (YBT-LQs) assess neuromuscular control, but their predictive value for swimming-related injuries remains unclear. Objectives: The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of sports injuries among swimmers and evaluate the predictive capacity of YBT-UQ and YBT-LQ for injury risk. Methods: This study was designed as a retrospective cohort study conducted on 170 competitive swimmers, 102 males and 68 females (60% male, 40% female) (aged 15 - 60 years) with at least one year of regular training. Data on demographics, training history, and injury occurrence were collected via questionnaires, and logistic regression analysis examined predictors of injury. Results: Age was the only significant predictor, with each additional year increasing injury likelihood by 2.5% (OR = 1.025, P = 0.027). The overall injury incidence in the sample was approximately 27%, as 46 out of 170 swimmers reported at least one sports-related injury. Other demographic and training factors, as well as YBT-UQ results, were not significant predictors (P > 0.05). In YBT-LQ, only the left leg’s posteromedial reach distance showed a weak association with injury (P = 0.012). Conclusions: Age is the primary predictor of injury in swimmers, while Y-Balance Tests have limited utility as stand-alone screening tools. Future research should integrate biomechanical assessments for improved injury prediction.