Dry-land Strength and Conditioning for Competitive Youth Swimmers

Effects of a 10-week Dry-land Strength and Conditioning Programme on the Start and Turn Performance of Regional- and National-level Age-group Swimmers

Starts and turns play an important role in swimming performance, with starts accounting for around a quarter of the total time achieved in a 50m freestyle race and have been recommended as a high priority area for improvement by York City Baths Club (YCBC). The relationship between starts and turns and plyometric and general strength training is well documented. However, few studies have explored this relationship in competitive youth swimmers. This non-randomised controlled trial will evaluate the effects of a dry-land strength and conditioning programme, when added to usual swim training, on the physical fitness and start and turn performance of regional- and national-level age-group swimmers. The study intervention will involve two supervised gym sessions per week for 10 weeks. Study outcomes will be assessed before the intervention, at the midpoint and at 1 week and 3 weeks post-intervention. The following testing will occur: Pool-based testing (50m Freestyle; a Time to 7.5m test; Turn time); Gym-based testing (Counter-movement jump; Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull; Athletic Shoulder (ASH)) The dive and turn measures will be assessed via video recordings.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Member of York City Baths Club's National, Regional or Club Squads
• Age 12 to 21 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

• Parent/guardian and/or swimmer unwilling to provide written, informed consent
• Current time-loss injury
• Unable to complete 2 interventions sessions per week for 10 weeks (intervention group only)