Effects of Low-Intensity Technical Tethered Swimming on Front Crawl Kinematics in Adolescent Swimmers

Effect of Low-Intensity Technical Tethered Swimming Training on Front Crawl Kinematics in Adolescent Swimmers

This study evaluated the acute effects of two low-intensity front crawl training conditions on swimming kinematics in adolescent swimmers. After a standardized warm-up, participants performed either low-intensity tethered front crawl or low-intensity free-swimming front crawl. Kinematic measurements were obtained immediately after task completion using an accelerometer. One week later, the final exercise condition was rotated between groups so that both groups completed both training conditions.

This study investigated the effects of two low-intensity front crawl training conditions on swimming kinematics in adolescent swimmers. All participants completed the same standardized warm-up protocol. After the warm-up, Group A performed 6 × 10 cycles of low-intensity tethered front crawl with 10-second rest intervals between sets, while Group B performed 6 × 50 m of low-intensity front crawl starting every 60 seconds. During both exercise conditions, participants were instructed to focus on stroke length and correct body position in the water.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Competitive adolescent swimmers from a local sports club
• Regular swimming training history since approximately 9-10 years of age
• Current training frequency of approximately 7-8 sessions per week
• Regular participation in national-level swimming competitions
• At least 2 years of regular swimming training experience
• Ability to complete the study procedures, including low-intensity front crawl conditions and accelerometer-based measurement

Exclusion Criteria:

• Current injury or musculoskeletal condition preventing participation
• Failure to meet the required age criteria
• Less than 2 years of regular swimming training experience
• Inability to complete the study procedures