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STUDY AT UNIVERSITY COLLEGE COPENHAGEN, PHYSIOTHERAPY SKODSBORG

25th March 2011


Recent study at the Skodsborg Physiotherapy School at University College Copenhagen has illustrated the use of The Performance Matrix Movement & Performance Screen and the effect of retraining.


Study: The effect of neuromuscular control training on swimmers’ alignment in water – a prospective case report Nicoline Zachariassen Jepsen, Professionshøjskolen UCC, the physiotherapeutic education Skodsborg nicoline_jepsen8@hotmail.com


(Tutor: Pernille Thomsen, senior lecturer, physiotherapist, M.Ed.; PETH@ucc.dk)


The purpose of this case report was to evaluate how movement assessment and retraining (using the Performance Stability process) influenced the technical ability of swimmers. The two female swimmers (age 12) were involved in the case study. Both competitive swimmers were within the top 20 in Denmark in their respective age group.


Pre intervention: The swimmers were tested using The Foundation Matrix Movement & Performance Screen to identify uncontrolled movement. The swimmers were filmed above and below in the water.


The intervention period consisted of two weekly, individual training sessions over four weeks and training at home. The choice of training and progression was directed by the results of The Movement and Performance Screen and was aimed at retraining the uncontrolled movement.


Post intervention: the swimmers were re-tested with The Foundation Matrix and filmed from above and below in the water. The video films are analyzed by two experts within Danish swimming.


Outcome: Both swimmers demonstrated a change in the score on The Foundation Matrix Movement & Performance Screen indicating an improvement in their control of movement. A subjective evaluation of the video films was made by two senior coaches within the world of swimming. These experts still noted some distinctive technical errors. However both participants felt they were better able to work on technical challenges. Both swimmers noted a change in their performance. One winning more races and the other participant improving her ranking form 20 to 3. In addition neither of the participants had any injuries during the intervention.


These results may be influenced by parameters other than the movement retraining. However on the basis of positive movement screen results and subjective improvement this assessment and retraining strategy is worth exploring in swimmers. Future studies need to explore the influence of retraining in recurrence and risk of injury.

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