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Comparison of dry-land training programs between age groups of swimmers
Brian J Krabak1, Kyle J Hancock, Shawn Drake
1Department of Rehabilitation, Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, University of Washington, 4245 Roosevelt Way NE, Box 354740, Seattle, WA 98105, USA. bkrabak@uw.edu
Objective:
To describe the current use of dry-land training in swimmers by age category.
Design:
Randomized sampling questionnaire.
Setting:
Web-based survey.
Participants:
Ninety-seven coaches from swim clubs throughout the United States.
Main Outcome Measures:
Dry-land training use, frequency, duration, mode of exercise, and exercise by body region in the following groups: ≤10 years, 11-14 years, 15-18 years, collegiate, and masters swimmers (≥18 years, noncollegiate).
Results:
Among the surveyed coaches (n = 97), dry-land training use varied by swimmers' age (≤10 years [54%], 11-14 years [83%], 15-18 years [93%], collegiate [86%], and masters [26%]) and type of training modality (age ≤18 years [body weight exercises, stretching]; collegiate [free weight/machine weights and body weight exercises]; and masters [weight and cardiovascular training]). The most common body region exercised for all categories except masters was the spine/core, followed by the proximal leg, and then the shoulder. Masters swimmers focused on the shoulder region, followed by the spine. The primary reason for participation in dry-land training was injury prevention for all categories except masters. Limited practice time was the most common reason for not using dry-land training.
Conclusions:
A total of 50%-93% of swim coaches surveyed for all groups except masters incorporated some form of dry-land training; they used body weight exercises in younger swimmers. The focus of dry-land training among swimmers ≤18 years and collegiate swimmers was the spine/core. These findings may be used to develop future studies on how dry-land training contributes to performance or injuries, especially in the younger swimmer.
