What Is the Optimal Strength Training Load to Improve Swimming Performance? A Randomized Trial of Male Competitive Swimmers

• Published in: International journal of environmental research and public health 2021-11, Vol.18 (22), p.11770
• Main Authors: Amara, Sofiene, Crowley, Emmet, Sammoud, Senda, Negra, Yassine, Hammami, Raouf, Chortane, Oussema Gaied, Khalifa, Riadh, Chortane, Sabri Gaied, van den Tillaar, Roland
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Exercise; Load; Low resistance; Muscle strength; Physical training; Physiology; Resistance training; Sports training; Strength training; Swimming; Velocity
• ISSN: 1660-4601; 1661-7827; 1660-4601
• DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182211770

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of high, moderate, and low resistance training volume-load of maximum strength training on muscle strength and swimming performance in competitive swimmers. Thirty-three male swimmers were randomly allocated to high (age = 16.5 ± 0.30 years), moderate (age = 16.1 ± 0.32 years) and a low resistance training volume-load group (age = 15.9 ± 0.31). This study was carried out in mid-season (January to March). Pre and post strength (e.g., repetition maximum [1RM] leg extension and bench press tests), swimming (25, 50 m front-crawl), start (speed, time, distance) and turn (time of turn) performance tests were conducted. Our findings revealed a large main effect of time for 1RM bench press: d = 1.38; 1RM leg extension: d = 1.55, and for 25 (d = 1.12), and 50 m (d = 1.97) front-crawl, similarly for start and turn performance (d = 1.28–1.46). However, no significant Group × Time interactions were shown in all strength swimming performances, start and turn tests (p > 0.05). In conclusion, low training loads have been shown to elicit the same results as moderate, and high training loads protocol. Therefore, this study shows evidence that the addition of low training volume-loads as a regular part of a maximal strength training regime will elicit improvements in strength and swimming performance.