Abstract
Simple SummaryResistance training in and out of the water aims to improve swimming performance. Previous studies have shown that dry land resistance training has positive effects on improving strength and therefore this could optimize swimming performance. The present study investigated the effect of 9 weeks of combined resistance training (aquatic and dry land resistance) on maximum lower body strength, leg kick, and swimming performance in competitive swimmers. The results demonstrated that 9 weeks of combined resistance training could improve the maximum lower body strength and leg kick swimming performance. These improvements can be the essential factors that subsequently positively affected swimming start and turn performance.The present study investigated the effect of 9 weeks of combined resistance training (aquatic and dry land resistance) on maximum lower body strength, leg kick, and swimming performance in competitive swimmers. Twenty-two male national competitive swimmers were randomly assigned into two groups: experimental group (EG: age = 16.2 ± 0.3 years) or control group (CG: age = 16.3 ± 0.3 years). The EG performed a combined resistance training while the CG group completed their usual training. One repetition maximum (1RM) back squat, 30 m leg kick, and swimming performance (100 m front crawl, start and turn) were evaluated in pre and post test. The findings showed a significant increase in 1RM back squat (d = 1.90; 14.94 ± 1.32%) after 9 weeks of combined resistance training. In addition, ours results revealed a significant improvement in 30 m leg kick swimming (d = 2.11; 5.84 ± 0.16%) and in all swimming, start and turn performances (d = 1.83 to 2.77; 2.69 ± 0.18% to 15.14 ± 1.06%) in EG. All dependent variables remained unchanged in the CG. To sum up, 9 weeks of combined resistance training can improve the maximum lower body strength and leg kick swimming performance. These improvements can be the essential factors that subsequently positively affected swimming, start and turn performances. Combined resistance training is an effective training that can be incorporated by coaches and swimmers into their programs to improve strength, leg kick swimming, and, subsequently, swimming performance in competitive swimmers.
Highlights
Over the years, the 100 m race times have been improved probably due to better aquatic and dry land training programs [1,2]
A significant improvement in 1RM back squat (14.94 ± 1.32%, p < 0.001, effect size (ES) = 1.90) in experimental group (EG) was found while the 1RM back squat weight remained unchanged in control group (CG) (p > 0.05, Table 2)
Garrido et al [21] showed that eight weeks of resistance dry land training that included leg extension, countermovement jump (CMJ) and CMJ box exercises with 2 to 3 sets and 5 to 8 repetitions improved the performance of the 6RM leg extension (55.6%) in young competitive swimmers (12.08 ± 0.76 years)
Summary
The 100 m race times have been improved probably due to better aquatic and dry land training programs [1,2]. Amara et al [1] noted that nine weeks of concurrent resistance training could improve maximal upper body strength (12.11 ± 1.79%) and sprint performance in front crawl (4.2 ± 0.2% to 7.1 ± 0.2%) in male competitive swimmers (age = 16.5 ± 0.30 years). Lopes et al [3] reported a significant improvement in sprint swimming performance (4.0% to 4.3%) after eight weeks of dry land strength combined with swimming training in university swimmers of national level (age = 20.55 ± 1.76 years). Notwithstanding, lower body strength and power are found to be two very important underlying factors determining the performance of start and turn in competitive swimmers [8,9]. It is necessary to know more about the effect of combined resistance training on maximum lower body strength, leg kick swimming, and swimming performance
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