Impacts of Resistance Exercise on Performance in Swimmers

Abstract

Introduction: The need for strength of the lower limbs to provide absolute speed in competitive-level swimmers requires methodological and evidence-based training. Resistance training is an effective way to increase muscle strength and it is believed that it can be adapted to benefit swimmers. Objective: Study the impacts of lower-limb resistance exercise on the sport performance of swimming athletes. Methods: Twelve volunteer athletes were selected for the experiment, randomly divided between experimental and control groups. There was no significant difference between the two groups. The experimental group received intervention with lower limb resistance training, while the control continued with routine physical training. Results: The thigh circumference of the experimental group increased from 56.01±5.40 cm to 57.14±5.06 cm; the Dive angle decreased from 44.85±6.74 to 43.23±7.71; the Entry distance increased from 3.51±0.36 m to 3.69±0.39 m; flight time was reduced from 0.33±0.05 s to 0.31±0.07 s; freestyle performance was reduced from 28.90±2.40 s to 27.18±2.72 s. Conclusion: The training with resistance exercise in the lower limbs showed evident improvements in the swimmers’ physical performance, besides the evident gain of muscle mass. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.