Aquatic Training Research Articles

High-intensity interval swimming improves cardiovascular endurance, while aquatic resistance training enhances muscular strength in older adults

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of free swimming (FS), aquatic resistance training (ART), and their combination (FS&ART) on the body composition, blood pressure, and physical fitness of older adults. The study employed a randomized controlled design, comparing three experimental groups with a control group. Eighty volunteers aged between sixty and seventy years (age: 66.2 ± 2.3 years; body mass index: 25.8 ± 4.3 kg/m²) participated in the 16-week intervention, consisting of two weekly sessions. Assessments were conducted at baseline and post-intervention, including anthropometric measurements, blood pressure readings, and the Senior Fitness Test. Significant differences were found between groups in post-intervention considering the chair stand test (p = 0.017; ES = 0.125), arm curl test (p = 0.029; ES = 0.111), 8-foot up and go test (p = 0.042; ES = 0.102), and walk test − 6 min (p = 0.005; ES = 0.156). Specifically, both ART (+ 20.1%; p < 0.05) and FS&ART (+ 19.5%; p < 0.05) showed significantly greater improvements in the chair stand test compared to the control group. Similarly, ART (+ 23.1%; p < 0.05) and FS&ART (+ 18.7%; p < 0.05) performed better than the control group. FS&ART also exhibited a significant improvement over the control group in the 8-foot up-and-go test (+ 14.6%; p < 0.05). In the 6-minute walk test, FS (+ 19.4%; p < 0.05) and FS&ART (+ 15.9%; p < 0.05) both significantly outperformed the control group. This study found that FS improves cardiovascular endurance, while ART enhances muscular strength and endurance in older adults, with combined benefits for agility, suggesting integration of combined modalities into community wellness initiatives for enhanced physical fitness and health outcomes.

Acute effect of resistive aquatic high-intensity interval training on metabolic costs in adults.

The effects of Aquatic High-Intensity Interval Training (AHIIT) and resistive AHIIT (Resistive AHIIT) to improve metabolic responses were not yet known. This study was to compare the metabolic responses and perceived effort in young healthy adults in a single session of AHIIT and resistive AHIIT. 20 healthy subjects (9 females, 11 males) performed a stationary running at a matched exercise intensity prior AHIIT and resistive AHIIT [10 × 1-min bouts of stationary running at 90% maximum heart rate (HR max) separated by 1-min active recovery] to examine the metabolic and cardiometabolic outcomes. Mixed effects models were applied to analyze the effects of group, time, and the interaction between group and time on both outcomes. The level of correlations between metabolic variables was checked by Pearson's linear correlation. There are significant differences on pre and post resting energy expenditure (REE) within both AHIIT and resistive AHIIT groups (p < 0.01) respectively as well as the subjective rate of perceived exertion (RPE) (p < 0.01) within RAHIIT group. A moderate correlation found on respiratory exertional ratio (RER) and RPE in resistive AHIIT (r = 0.534). No significant differences between groups in terms of HR max, mean heart rate (HR mean), peak oxygen consumption (VO2 peak) and total energy expenditure (TEE) (p = 0.50, p = 0.48, p = 0.81, p = 0.59). Resistive AHIIT provides comparable benefits of metabolic outcomes with AHIIT. Comparable results allowed AHIIT and resistive AHIIT prescriptions precisely.

Unlocking the potential of exercise: harnessing myokines to delay musculoskeletal aging and improve cognitive health.

This review aims to summarize the common physiological mechanisms associated with both mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and musculoskeletal aging while also examining the relevant literature on how exercise regulation influences the levels of shared myokines in these conditions. The literature search was conducted via databases such as PubMed (including MEDLINE), EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library of Systematic Reviews. The searches were limited to full-text articles published in English, with the most recent search conducted on 16 July 2024. The inclusion criteria for this review focused on the role of exercise and myokines in delaying musculoskeletal aging and enhancing cognitive health. The Newcastle‒Ottawa Scale (NOS) was utilized to assess the quality of nonrandomized studies, and only those studies with moderate to high quality scores, as per these criteria, were included in the final analysis. Data analysis was performed through narrative synthesis. The primary outcome of this study was the evaluation of myokine expression, which included IL-6, IGF-1, BDNF, CTSB, irisin, and LIF. A total of 16 studies involving 633 older adults met the inclusion criteria. The current exercise modalities utilized in these studies primarily consisted of resistance training and moderate-to high-intensity cardiovascular exercise. The types of interventions included treadmill training, elastic band training, aquatic training, and Nordic walking training. The results indicated that both cardiovascular exercise and resistance exercise could delay musculoskeletal aging and enhance the cognitive functions of the brain. Additionally, different types and intensities of exercise exhibited varying effects on myokine expression. Current evidence suggests that exercise mediates the secretion of specific myokines, including IL-6, IGF-1, BDNF, CTSB, irisin, and LIF, which establish self-regulatory circuits between the brain and muscle. This interaction enhances cognitive function in the brain and improves skeletal muscle function. Future research should focus on elucidating the exact mechanisms that govern the release of myokines, the correlation between the intensity of exercise and the secretion of these myokines, and the distinct processes by which myokines influence the interaction between muscle and the brain.

9 - Effects of aquatic high-intensity interval training and moderate-intensity continuous training on body composition, aerobic fitness and vascular function in overweight/obese adults

9 - Effects of aquatic high-intensity interval training and moderate-intensity continuous training on body composition, aerobic fitness and vascular function in overweight/obese adults

The Impact of Eight Weeks of Aquatic Plyometric Training on the Explosive and Agility Capabilities of Swimmers

The objective of this study is to examine the impact of eight weeks of aquatic plyometric training on the explosive and agility abilities of swimmers. The following keywords were used: The objective of this study was to ascertain the impact of aquatic plyometric training (APT) on explosive power and agility. A training program incorporating APT was implemented on a sample of 20 swimmers. The findings revealed that utilizing APT at a depth up to the pelvis for 8 weeks and 3 times a week led to statistically significant differences and improvements in explosive power and agility. The effect size values for the two variables were 0.97 and 0.97, respectively. The researcher recommended the use of APT as a viable alternative to plyometric exercises on hard ground for enhancing explosive power and agility, while also reducing the risk of muscle and tendon injuries.

Interval aquatic training with and without progression of relative intensity on health outcomes of adults and elderly: a pragmatic trial-Floripa aquatic training and health outcomes (FATHO)

Interval aquatic training with and without progression of relative intensity on health outcomes of adults and elderly: a pragmatic trial-Floripa aquatic training and health outcomes (FATHO)

Aquatic high-intensity interval training improves cardiometabolic profile and physical fitness in active middle-age and older adults: quasi-randomized clinical trial study

Introduction: aquatic exercises have been increasingly suggested to the population. Despite evidence on the benefits of high-intensity interval training in aquatic environments, scientific production still needs to be improved. Research involving middle-aged and older individuals usually seeks physiological responses from the assumption that they are sedentary. Objective: to assess the physical fitness, lipid profile, and glycemic control of active middle-aged and older adults undergoing aquatic high-intensity interval training associated or not with intense water walking. Methods: it is a quasi-randomized clinical trial composed of 45 active middle-aged and older adults subdivided into two groups with aquatic high-intensity interval training in the absence (AHIIT) or presence (AHIITW) of intense water walking. Participants were dosed with biochemical parameters, bioimpedance analysis, and physical and cardiopulmonary tests at the intervention’s beginning and end. Results: both groups showed increased HDL, reduced LDL, and hemoglobin glycated, with increased endurance and strength of upper and lower limbs. The AHIIT group showed a lean mass gain and fat mass decline compared to the AHIITW. The intense walking promoted an increase in oxygen ventilatory equivalent, maximum oxygen consumption, and the task metabolic equivalent at values like the AHIIT. Conclusion: our findings indicate that high-intensity aquatic training holds the potential to enhance the lipid profile of individuals. However, the incorporation of pool walking into the training regimen did not lead to any notable differences in this regard. Conversely, the inclusion of pool aquatic exercises did result in improved functional capacity among participants. Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC): #RBR-99b6jr6

Effect of aquatic versus conventional physical therapy program on ankle sprain grade III in elite athletes: randomized controlled trial

IntroductionAnkle sprains are the second most common sports injury after knee injuries, with about 85% of them affecting the lateral ankle ligaments. These injuries are particularly prevalent in sports like basketball and volleyball.PurposeTo investigate the effect of Aquatic therapy as an early rehabilitation protocol for elite athletes with acute lateral ankle sprain grade III on back-to-sport time, dynamic balance, pain, Athletic performance, and muscle power compared to land-based exercise training.MethodsThirty elite athletes have ankle sprain grade III with sprain onset from 1 to 7 days, their age ranges from 18–30 years old were recruited. All participants are professional athletes; mainly participating in above-head sports such as volleyball and basketball. The patients were randomly allocated into two treatment groups: Group I (control group): 15 patients received a conventional physical therapy program of structured therapeutic exercise program, manual therapy and land-based exercises, in addition to external support, and Group II (Aquatic therapy group): 15 patients received aquatic training. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to measure the pain intensity, while the dynamic balance was measured by the Star Excursion Balance Test. Athletic performance was measured by HOP Tests (Single, Triple, 6-m, and Cross-over hops) aided by the Agility T-Test (ATT) and Illinois Agility Test (IAT). Muscle power was tested by a Single Leg Press. Finally, back to sports time was recorded for each participant in both groups.ResultsThere was a significant interaction effect of Aquatic therapy and time for VAS (p < 0.001), single hop (p < 0.001), triple hop (p < 0.001), cross-over hop (p < 0.001), IAT (p = 0.019) and ATT (p < 0.001) of both affected and nonaffected. There was no significant interaction effect of Aquatic therapy and time for 6-MHT of affected (p = 0.923), and nonaffected (p = 0.140). There was a significant main effect of time for all dependent variables (p < 0.001) except for 6-MHT of affected (p = 0.939), nonaffected (p = 0.109), and IAT (p = 0.099). The Star excursion dynamic balance test (SEBT) and Single leg press revealed a significant difference between groups on affected and non-affected sides (p < 0.001*). Lastly and most importantly the back-to-sport time revealed a significant difference in the return-to-sport time in favor of the Aquatic therapy group who returned faster than the control group (p < 0.001*).ConclusionAquatic therapy is more effective than traditional protocols regarding early rehabilitation of acute ankle sprain grade III in Elite professional athletes for reducing pain intensity, improving dynamic balance and athletic performance and power and accelerating their return to sports time. Because aquatic therapy produces better outcomes, it is advised to be included in the rehabilitation programs of athletic patients with acute ankle sprains grade III.

Improving the neuromuscular fitness of patients with type 2 diabetes by aquatic exercise training - The Diabetes and Aquatic Training Study (DATS 3): a randomized controlled trial.

To compare the effects of aquatic aerobic and combined training on neuromuscular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes. Patients with type 2 diabetes were randomized to an aerobic aquatic training (AERO), a combined aquatic training (COMBI) or a procedure control (CON) three weekly for 15 weeks. The sessions were 50 minutes long. Maximal strength and muscle endurance were assessed by the 1RM and maximum repetitions at 60% 1RM tests, respectively, in knee extension and elbow flexion exercises. Timed up and go test, testosterone, cortisol and testosterone:cortisol ratio also were evaluated. Participants had 59.0±8.2 years, 51% women. All groups increased (P<0.001) the maximal knee extension strength (Mean Difference: AERO: 21.1 kg; COMBI: 14.6 kg; CON: 4.4 kg), while only COMBI group increased (P<0.001) the maximal elbow flexion strength (Mean Difference: 2.6 kg). Muscle endurance in both exercises were increased in all groups. The Timed Up and Go test at the usual and maximal speed decreased in all groups. Testosterone were not modified in present study, while cortisol and testosterone:cortisol were improved in COMBI group. Aquatic training, especially combined aquatic training, improve the neuromuscular fitness of patients with type 2 diabetes.

EFFECT OF STATIC PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ON CENTRAL HEMODYNAMICS AND ARTERIAL DISTENSIBILITY IN ADOLESCENT ATHLETES INVOLVED IN SWIMMING AND CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING

The purpose of the paper is to compare arterial distensibility in endurance sports atheletes (track and field athletes and swimmers), in whom adaptation to muscle activity is formed in interaction with various environmental factors. Materials and methods. Qualified athletes (adolescents aged 13–17) performed a 5-minute isometric handgrip exercise, corresponding to 20 % of the maximum compression force. The authors assessed athletes’ hemodynamics, arterial elasticity and cardiac parameters using the SphygmoCor technology. Results. At rest, swimmers demonstrated increased systolic blood pressure, lower values of heart rate, augmentation index and relative systole duration. Immediately after load, swimmers showed an increase in blood pressure, augmentation pressure, and left ventricular contractility as a consequence of sympathoadrenal system activation during exercise. In skiers the answers were reduced. After 20-minute recovery, diastolic pressure and augmentation index in swimmers dropped below the baseline. It was probably due to the vasodilatory effect of acidic metabolic products washed out after exercise from isometrically contracted ischemic forearm muscles. Conclusion. The characteristic aspects of aquatic training influence background hemodynamic parameters, arterial distensibility and responsiveness to local isometric load.

The Effects of Aquatic Exercise Training on Functional and Hemodynamic Responses in Patients With Heart Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the impacts of water exercise training on functional and hemodynamic responses in HF patients. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted until February 15, 2024, using multiple databases. Mean difference (MD) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Results: Sixteen studies, comprising 349 participants with HF, were included. Water exercise led to enhancements in peak VO2 (MD, 2.85mL/kg/min; 95% CI, 1.89 to 3.80; p < .00001) and resting heart rate (MD, -4.16 bm; 95% CI, -6.85 to -1.46; p = .002) compared to no exercising controls. Water plus land exercise reduced resting heart rate (MD, -1.41 bm; 95% CI, -2.13 to -0.69; p = .0001) compared to land exercise alone. Furthermore, acute water exercises decreased resting heart rate (MD, -3.85 bm; 95% CI, -6.49 to -1.21; p = .004) and increased stroke volume (MD, 14.68mL/beat; 95% CI, 8.57 to 20.79; p < .00001) and cardiac output (MD, 0.5L/min; 95% CI, 0.27 to 0.73; p < .00001) compared to baseline. Conclusion: These findings suggest that water exercise holds promise as an effective intervention for enhancing functional capacity and hemodynamic parameters in individuals with HF, highlighting the importance of further research to optimize its implementation and elucidate long-term benefits.

COMPARISON OF CONCENTRIC AND IMPACT FORCES ON LAND AND IN WATER

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS Plyometric jump training has been used in athletic training to improve muscle strength and power and injury prevention in young people and adults. There is evidence to support aquatic plyometric training in young athletes for improving strength and power while providing a safer environment with less impact when landing. The aim of this study was to extend the research to include middle-aged adults (40-60 years) who are at a greater risk of physical decline and would benefit from a greater understanding of the forces generated in land-based and aquatic plyometric jumps for adults aged 40-60 years. METHOD Thirteen healthy individuals aged 40- 60 years participated in this study. Participants attended three sessions including a familiarisation session, land-based testing and water-based testing. Participants performed three vertical jumps (VJ) on land, three countermovement jumps (CMJ) and three squat jumps (SJ) on a force plate on land and in water. Force traces were analysed for peak force, impact force, flight time, and jump height. RESULTS Peak forces normalised for bodyweight, jump height, and flight time were significantly higher in the water than on land for the CMJ and SJ (p&amp;lt;.000). Impact forces showed an insignificant increase in the water compared to on land. There was a strong correlation between the VJ and the two land based jumps for all jump characteristics (p&amp;lt;.01) and a strong positive correlation between the percentage of participant height immersed and peak force at take- off for CMJ (r=.794, p&amp;lt;.01) and SJ (r=.682, p&amp;lt;.05). CONCLUSION Jump height, flight time, and peak force all increased in the water compared to on land. As the percentage of height immersed increased, so did peak force on take-off. Immersion depths must be considered when prescribing plyometric exercise for adults aged 40-60 years to ensure appropriately targeted exercise prescription.

Aquatic Cognitive-Motor Exercise Training on Cognition and Neurotrophic Factors in Older Adults

Aquatic Cognitive-Motor Exercise Training on Cognition and Neurotrophic Factors in Older Adults

What are the effects of aquatic physiotherapy exercises on speed and complex gait-related activities in individuals with Parkinson's disease?

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a central nervous system disease that results in deficits in motor activities such as walking. Gait speed and step length are frequently reduced. Aquatic physiotherapy serves as a form of complementary treatment to promote improvements in the disease's motor symptoms. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of an aquatic physiotherapy training program on gait in individuals with PD. This is an interventional clinical study in which a group of participants with PD participated in an assessment on the ground of their usual and maximum gait speed using the 10-m Walk Test and complex activities related to gait using the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) at baseline and 12 weeks of an aquatic physiotherapy intervention, twice a week for 50 min. For statistical analysis, the paired t-test and the Wilcoxon test were used. The study included 10 individuals with PD, in the intermediate stage of PD - H&Y 2 (60%) and 3 (40%), of both sexes with a mean age of 65.8 ± 13.69 years. There was a significant increase in usual gait speed (p = 0.001) and in the DGI score (p = 0.05), but there was no improvement in maximum gait speed (p = 0.119). The aquatic physiotherapy exercise program improved habitual gait speed and the performance of complex activities related to gait in this group individuals with PD.

The Effect of Selected Aquatic Training on Serum Levels of Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 and Mmyostatin in Middle-aged Male Swimmers

Background and Objectives Sarcopenia is one of the important and prevalent disorders that occurs with age and is associated with a significant reduction in muscle strength and volume. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of selected aquatic training on serum levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 and myostatin in middle-aged male swimmers. Subjects and Methods Twenty-two men meeting the inclusion criteria were recruited and randomly assigned to either the experimental group (n = 11) or the control group (n = 11). The training program followed a progressive overload structure, employing three sessions per week with escalating difficulty and intensity. This design aligns with the principle of overload, which posits that gradually increasing training demands leads to adaptation and improvement. Plasma levels of IGF-1 and myostatin were measured (before and 48 hours after the protocol). The data were analyzed using the statistical test of covariance (ANCOVA) at a significance level of P&lt;0.05. Results The intragroup evaluation of the data showed that there is a significant difference between the pre-test and post-test scores of the experimental group in IGF-1 and myostatin variables (P&lt;0.05). The results of ANCOVA indicated that the selected aquatic training led to a significant increase in plasma levels of IGF-1 (P&lt;0.05) and a significant decrease in myostatin (P&lt;0.05) in the experimental group compared to the control group. Conclusion According to the results of this research, eight weeks of selected aquatic training changed the resting levels of factors related to muscular atrophy in middle-aged male swimmers. For this reason, this type of exercise can be effective in muscle rehabilitation and improving the physical fitness of these people. However, further investigations seem necessary.

Effect of Pre-Participation Aquatic Training Program on Running Performance in Marathon Runners

Objective: The most important objective was to determine the effect of an aquatic pre-participation training program for improving the running performance of middle-aged marathon runners. Method: The study was conducted among 100 recreational male and female runners (aged 25 to 35 years) fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The subjects were randomly divided into two equal groups, the control group (n=50) and the experimental group (n=50) by using SPSS software. 6 weeks of aquatic training was conducted for the experimental group for 5 days per week while the control group underwent swimming. The scores were statistically examined by paired ‘t-test. Results: Results showed that there was a significant reduction in pain in both groups with a p-value &amp;lt;0.0001. Both groups showed significant improvement in cardiac endurance VO2 max. The mean post-VO2 max of the experimental group and control group showed significant improvement in VO2 max with p-value &amp;lt;0.0001. Experimental group showed more improvement in 1RM leg press test as compared to the control group. Mean pre and post-1RM leg press test was (pre:66.10±14.0) (post:73.40±15.20) with p value &amp;lt;0.0001. While of the control group was (pre:68.02±15.09) (post:69.40±13.94) with p value 0.0275. There was significant improvement in 50m sprint run test in the experimental group with pre mean 6.23±0.44 and post mean 6.00±0.46 with (p value &amp;lt;0.0001). Much improvement was not seen in 50m SRT of the control group, the pre mean was 6.11±0.44 and post mean was 6.06±0.48 with ( p value 0.0832). Conclusion: It concluded that the pre-participation aquatic training program had shown a significant positive response in improving speed strength and reducing pain.

The effect of aquatic training and vitamin D3 supplementation on bone metabolism in postmenopausal obese women

Background/ObjectiveDespite prevalence of studies indicating the positive effect of land-based exercise on bone metabolism, there are limited findings regarding the effect of aquatic exercise. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of aquatic training and vitamin D3 supplementation on femur bone mineral density (BMD), serum 25(OH)D, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) in postmenopausal obese women with vitamin D insufficiency. Methods40 postmenopausal obese women were randomly divided into four groups of aquatic training + vitamin D3 intake group; (ATD), aquatic training with placebo intake group (AT), vitamin D3 intake group (D), and control group with placebo intake (CON). AT groups performed aerobic aquatic exercises for 8 weeks. Vitamin D3 supplementation groups consumed oral dose of 4000 IU/d for 8 weeks. ResultsThe femur BMD was significantly higher in the ATD than the AT and D and CON groups; in AT it was higher than the D and CON groups. Serum 25(OH)D level in the ATD was more than AT and CON, and in the D was more than the CON and AT. PTH in the ATD group was lower compared to AT, D, and CON groups. PTH was lower in the AT and D compared to the CON. ConclusionIn postmenopausal obese women with vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency, combining vitamin D supplementation and aquatic training was the most effective method for improving bone metabolism; Vitamin D supplementation (alone) was not sufficient to affect some of bone metabolism indices; Aquatic training could not improve serum vitamin D. By priority, ATD, AT, and D indicated better bone related metabolism indices.

Impact of Aquatic Resistance Training and Boot Camp Training for Inter-Collegiate Athletes 100 Meter Sprint

Impact of Aquatic Resistance Training and Boot Camp Training for Inter-Collegiate Athletes 100 Meter Sprint

Effect of whole-body cryotherapy on recovery after high-intensity training in elite rowers.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) on acute recovery after a single high-intensity training day. Twelve elite professional male rowers from the national aquatic training base. They were randomly divided into a WBC group (n = 6) and a control group (CON group, n = 6). They performed a high-intensity training program, with a single session immediately followed by WBC (-110°C, 3min) or recovered naturally for 3min (CON group). Rowing performance, skin temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and blood lactate concentrations were recorded before training, immediately, 5min, and 15min after the intervention. Blood samples were collected early in the morning of the day of intervention and that of the following day. The results indicated that 1) the blood lactate concentrations after WBC were significantly lower than pre-training (p < 0.05); 2) the maximum power significantly decreased immediately after WBC compared to pre-training (p < 0.05); 3) a significant main effect of time was observed for average speed, which significantly decreased after WBC (p < 0.05); 4) a significant main effect of time for blood parameters was observed. Specifically, hematocrit, cortisol, and hemoglobin were significantly lower after WBC than pre-intervention, whereas testosterone/cortisol was significantly higher than pre-intervention (p < 0.05). The results of this study showed that a single session of WBC had a positive effect on accelerating the elimination of blood lactate after HIT, but did not significantly change rowing performance and physiological parameters. A single session of WBC was not an effective strategy for elite rowers for acute recovery after HIT.

The methodology of resistance training is crucial for improving short-medium distance front crawl performance in competitive swimmers: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Resistance training is often a part of the routine training regimen for competitive swimmers. However, due to the variety of resistance training methodology, the results can be inconsistent and sometimes unsatisfactory. Clear recommendations are still lacking at present. 1) Quantify the impact of resistance training on swimmers' upper limb maximum strength, front crawl performance and key technical parameters; 2) Find out the key technical parameters for improving front crawl performance-stroke rate or length; 3) Through subgroup analysis determine the best methodology of resistance training to enhance the front crawl. Systematic search in the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases. Meta-analyses using the inverse-variance are performed to compare swimmers' upper limb maximum strength, front crawl performance and key technical parameters in resistance training and habitual aquatic training. A subgroup analysis was performed to examine whether the results were affected by the methodology of resistance training. Thirteen studies (267 competitive swimmers) met the inclusion criteria. The results of meta-analysis showed that resistance training significantly improved upper limbs maximum muscle strength, and 25, 50, 100, and 200m front crawl performance in competitive swimmers. And improvements in swimming performance may simply resulted from resistance training increasing stroke rate rather than stroke length. In addition, the results of subgroup analysis showed that only concurrent resistance training (CRT) and power training (PT) ultimately improved swimming performance by increasing the maximum muscle strength of the upper limbs. Resistance training significantly enhances competitive swimmers' upper limb strength and front crawl performance across various distances. The improvement in performance is likely attributed to an increased stroke rate rather than stroke length. In addition, CRT and PT are particularly effective, indicating the importance of selecting the appropriate methodology of resistance training for optimal swimming performance enhancement. https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/3JEGW.