Plyometric training improves swimming performance in recreationally-trained swimmers

Abstract

Introduction: Plyometric training significantly improves strength performance, including in aquatic sports. Objective: To compare changes in thigh girth, hamstring flexibility, squat jump height, and 200m swimming trial time induced by plyometric training in recreationally-trained swimmers. Methods: Eighteen recreationally-trained male swimmers (age=18-20 years) were randomly divided into a plyometric training group (PTG) and a control group (CG). All the swimmers completed a six-week speed swimming training plan. In the PTG only, the last ~15 min of each session was replaced with plyometric exercises. The physical characteristics and the thigh girth were measured before and after the six weeks of training. In addition, sit-and-reach flexibility and squat jump tests were conducted, as well as a 200m swimming trial. Results: Two-way ANOVA with post-hoc analysis revealed an increase in sit-and-reach flexibility (PRE: 4.5±5.3 cm; POST: 10.9±5.9 cm, p<0.01) and squat jump height (PRE: 24.9±3.7 cm; POST: 28.3±4.2 cm, p<0.01) and a decrease in 200m-swimming time (PRE: 220±26.5 sec; POST: 204±24.4 sec, p<0.01) for the PTG only. Comparing the absolute changes (post-pre) between the groups by the Student’s t-test, the PTG showed a greater increase in distance reached in the sit-and-reach flexibility (PTG: 6.34±0.6 cm vs. CG: 2.4±1.2 cm, p<0.01) and squat jump height (PTG: 3.4±0.7 cm vs. CG: 0.7±0.3 cm, p<0.01) than the CG. In addition, the 200m swimming time decreased significantly more than in the CG (PTG:-15.1±2.4 sec vs. CG:-0.8±2.7 sec, p<0.01). Conclusion: Plyometric training improves jump height, flexibility, and 200m swimming performance in recreationally-trained adult swimmers. Level of Evidence II; Lesser quality RCT.