The development of swimming power

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Swimming Performance

Background:

• Optimizing swimming power is crucial for competitive swimmers.
• Traditional training methods may not fully enhance maximal mechanical external power (MMEP).
• Investigating novel training strategies like transfer strength training is warranted.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of the transfer strength training method on swimming power.
• To compare the effects of transfer strength training versus traditional swimming training on MMEP in master swimmers.

Main Methods:

• Twenty male master swimmers were randomized into two groups: strength training (ST) and swimming training (SW).
• The ST group underwent six weeks of weight training followed immediately by maximal swimming velocity sessions.
• The SW group followed a six-week swimming training program.
• Maximal-Mechanical-External-Power (MMEP), force, and velocity were measured pre- and post-intervention using a custom underwater ergometer.

Main Results:

• The ST group demonstrated a significant increase in MMEP (5.73%, p<0.05), driven by increased strength (11.70%, p<0.05) despite a non-significant decrease in velocity.
• The SW group experienced a significant decrease in MMEP (7.31%, p<0.05), with non-significant reductions in force and velocity.
• Transfer strength training led to improved swimming power, while traditional swimming training resulted in a decline.

Conclusions:

• The transfer training method, combining dry-land weight training with immediate high-speed swimming, effectively enhances swimming power in master swimmers.
• This training approach offers a promising strategy for improving swimming performance by increasing power output.
• Further research could explore optimal protocols and long-term effects of transfer strength training.