Season changes in performance of upper limbs and trunk in para swimmers

Objectives: To evaluate upper limb performance, trunk extensor endurance, and serratus anterior strength in para swimmers over a sports season. Design: A cohort study conducted over eleven months. Settings: Three assessments were performed at pre-season, mid-season, and post-season, evaluating the CKCUEST, Sorensen Test, and isometric strength of the serratus anterior. Participants: Twelve para swimmers from a sports center. Main outcome measures: Generalized Mixed Models were used to assess seasonal changes and the influence of sex, age, type of impairment, and season phase. Coefficients of variation for each variable were calculated along with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), with a 5% significance level. Results: Sorensen Test values decreased during the season (C: 22.0; CI: 33.9 to −10.4; p < 0.01). A serratus anterior isometric strength difference was observed post-season between para athletes with motor impairments and those with visual/intellectual impairments on the dominant side (C: 3.3; CI: 6.2 to −0.5; p = 0.02). Conclusion: Sorensen Test values declined in mid-season, and para athletes with motor impairments showed lower serratus anterior strength in post-season. CKCUEST values remained stable throughout the season.