Comparison of the Effects of Strength and Plyometric Training in 50-Meter Swimming
Trial Snapshot
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Completed
- Sponsor
- Istinye University
- Enrollment
- 18
- Locations
- 2
- Primary Endpoint
- 50m Sprint Time (Overall Performance)
Study Overview
Brief Summary
A total of 18 participants are planned to be included in the study. Participants will be randomly assigned into two groups in the order of their arrival. One group will perform strength exercises in addition to standard swim training (strength group), while the other group will perform plyometric exercises in addition to standard swim training (plyometric group). Both groups will participate in two training sessions per week for a duration of 8 weeks. The 50m sprint biomechanics, stroke frequency, or overall performance will be evaluated before and after the intervention.
Detailed Description
In sprint swimming events such as the 50-meter race, the ability to generate explosive power and maintain efficient biomechanics is critical for achieving peak performance. Plyometric training, particularly progressive bounding and long jump exercises, has been shown to effectively enhance the kinetic and kinematic parameters essential for swimming starts. This form of training plays a key role in sprint events that demand rapid propulsion, as it conditions the neuromuscular system to produce power quickly. As such, plyometric exercises directly contribute to improved initial push-off phases and overall sprint performance in short-distance swimming.
Similarly, strength training has a significant role in improving stroke length and stroke frequency. Low-volume, high-speed, and high-force strength training programs are particularly effective in transferring gains to swimming-specific mechanics. These improvements enhance stroke efficiency and power output, resulting in improved performance outcomes. In young swimmers, land-based strength and conditioning programs have demonstrated improvements in biomechanics, enabling swimmers to maintain higher speeds over 50 meters with minimal energy loss and more powerful strokes.
Collectively, these findings suggest that integrating plyometric and strength training into the training programs of young swimmers may yield beneficial effects on sprint biomechanics and overall performance. The current study aims to investigate the comparative effects of these two training modalities-plyometric and strength training-on 50-meter sprint performance and biomechanics in young swimmers. The results are expected to offer valuable insights into optimal conditioning strategies that support athletic development in competitive swimming.
Hypotheses:
Null Hypothesis (H₀): There is no significant difference in 50-meter sprint biomechanics, stroke frequency, or overall performance between young swimmers who undergo plyometric training in addition to swim training and those who undergo strength training in addition to swim training.
Study Design
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Intervention Model
- Parallel
- Primary Purpose
- Treatment
- Masking
- Single (Investigator)
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 10 Years to 17 Years (Child)
- Sex
- All
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria
- •Being between 10 and 17 years old, Having at least 3 years of competitive experience, Having participated in at least one Qualifying Standards competition before, Being willing to participate in the study, Obtained parental consent.
Exclusion Criteria
- •Presence of a health condition requiring regular medical check-ups (e.g., cardiovascular, respiratory, or musculoskeletal disorders).
Arms & Interventions
Plyometric Group
Intervention: Standard Swimming Training (Other)
Plyometric Group
Intervention: Plyometric Training (Other)
Strength Group
Intervention: Standard Swimming Training (Other)
Strength Group
Intervention: Strength Training (Other)
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
50m Sprint Time (Overall Performance)
Time Frame: Through study completion, an average of 12 months
The 50m sprint time is used as a direct measure of swimming performance and is evaluated both in freestyle and in the swimmer's primary stroke. This test is conducted before and after the 8-week training intervention using a stopwatch and high-resolution video equipment. Time splits are also recorded for the 15m and 25m marks to assess acceleration and speed maintenance phases. This measure provides a clear indication of whether the intervention (strength or plyometric training) leads to improved sprint capacity in competitive youth swimmers.
Sprint biomechanics and stroke frequency
Time Frame: Through study completion, an average of 12 months
Biomechanics are assessed through underwater and above-water video analysis to evaluate body alignment, stroke path, and coordination. Stroke frequency, calculated from the same footage by timing three full stroke cycles, reflects how quickly a swimmer completes strokes. Together, these measures reveal whether performance gains stem from technical improvements, faster turnover, or more effective propulsion.
50m Sprint Time (Overall Performance)
Time Frame: Through study completion, an average of 12 months
The 50m sprint time is used as a direct measure of swimming performance and is evaluated both in freestyle and in the swimmer's primary stroke. This test is conducted before and after the 8-week training intervention using a stopwatch and high-resolution video equipment. Time splits are also recorded for the 15m and 25m marks to assess acceleration and speed maintenance phases. This measure provides a clear indication of whether the intervention (strength or plyometric training) leads to improved sprint capacity in competitive youth swimmers.
Sprint biomechanics and stroke frequency
Time Frame: Through study completion, an average of 12 months
Biomechanics are assessed through underwater and above-water video analysis to evaluate body alignment, stroke path, and coordination. Stroke frequency, calculated from the same footage by timing three full stroke cycles, reflects how quickly a swimmer completes strokes. Together, these measures reveal whether performance gains stem from technical improvements, faster turnover, or more effective propulsion.
Secondary Outcomes
- Upper and Lower Body Muscle Strength(Through study completion, an average of 12 months)
- Lower Body Explosive Power (Standing Long Jump Test)(Through study completion, an average of 12 months)
- Upper and Lower Body Muscle Strength(Through study completion, an average of 12 months)
- Lower Body Explosive Power (Standing Long Jump Test)(Through study completion, an average of 12 months)
Investigators
Çiçek Günday
Asst. Prof.
Istinye University