LESÕES MUSCULOESQUELÉTICAS EM ATLETAS COMPETIDORES DA NATAÇÃO Muscoloskeletal injuries in competitor athletes of swimming

Objective: The purpose of this survey is to list injuries in competitive swimming. Material and Methods: We have studied, longitudinally, all the swimming athletes that have passed by the rehabilitation department of a club in Sao Paulo (total of 63 athletes), from both sexes, with the medium age of 18.5 years old, during a period of 3.7 years. The data which refers to athletes and injuries occured during the research, they have been registered by the physiotherapist thru a questionnaire and a sector medical prontuary survey. Results: 83 injuries have been listed in the 63 athletes that have participated in this survey. The upper limbs have been the most affected by injuries, mainly the shoulder region, being the tendinitis/bursitis the most common diagnosis. It was not possible to stablish a comparison between the swimming style and injury type, as well as anatomical location affected , once the major part of athletes swum crawl style during a phase his or her training. Conclusion: Swimming overloads are most observable in the shoulder region, which is the area most affected by injuries finded in this assignement, requiring intensive prevention programs and follow up for competitive swimming athletes.