Assessing the impact of hydrodynamic loads on shoulder joint injuries in swimming

Increasing activity and fitness levels across the general population is key to combatting the challenges associated with obesity and an ageing population. Swimming is considered to be beneficial as it offers a non weight-bearing, full-body form of cardiovascular exercise. These benefits might be offset, however, by an increased risk of shoulder injury, a common occurrence within the sport.

This project aims to determine the fluid forces acting on a swimmer’s arm and investigate mechanisms of shoulder injury by understanding how this load is shared between the musculoskeletal structures around the shoulder joint.


The unsteady hydrodynamic forces cannot be measured therefore have to be derived using computer simulations, informed by detailed stroke kinematics and the local arm geometry. Advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics techniques will be used to replicate high fidelity experimental stroke kinematics obtained using underwater motion capture systems. Surface scans of the arm will determine the local geometry whilst different optical measurement techniques will be utilised to assess the soft tissue deformations caused by fluid loading and muscle contraction.

The simulated fluid loads and stroke kinematics can be used to drive a musculoskeletal model to simulate muscle response and joint loadings in the arm. Ultimately this information will be used to predict internal forces in the upper limb during swimming and elucidate on possible mechanisms of shoulder injury.

We are looking for applicants with a strong background in engineering, mathematics or physics, with an interest in sports and biomechanics. Candidates must apply for the ‘PhD in Engineering and the Environment (Full Time)’ program via the University application procedure using the following link: http://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/how-to-apply/postgraduate-applications.page. The correct application link can be found by searching for a full time research program in 2017-2018 with the Faculty of Engineering and the Environment .

This project is supported by both British Swimming and the English Institute of Sport providing a wealth of expertise and access to world class biomechanists and coaches. This research will build on the previous experience and success of Southampton’s Performance Sport Engineering Lab and their support of British swimming in both the London and Rio Olympic games.

This PhD project will be funded as part of the UK governments new Industrial Strategy. The scholarship will cover full UK fees and a stipend of between £16k and £18k per year depending on academic qualifications.

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Joseph Banks, Fluid Structure Interaction research group, Email: [Email Address Removed], Tel: +44 (0) 2380 59 6625.