Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026
05:12
Swimming Performance Assessment in Fishes
Published on: May 20, 2011
25.9K
Does a 4-week training period with hand paddles affect front-crawl swimming performance?
Augusto C Barbosa1, Thiago H N Ferreira2, Leonardo V Leis1
1Meazure Sport Sciences, São Paulo, Brazil.
Journal of Sports Sciences
|January 7, 2020
Summary
Four weeks of hand paddle training did not improve front-crawl swimming performance, speed, stroke rate, stroke length, or tethered force in swimmers. This suggests hand paddle training is not beneficial for enhancing these swimming metrics over this period.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Swimming Biomechanics
Background:
- Hand paddles are often used in swimming training to increase resistance and potentially enhance performance.
- However, empirical evidence supporting their effectiveness for improving key swimming performance indicators is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of a 4-week hand paddle training intervention on front-crawl swimming performance parameters.
- To assess changes in swimming speed, stroke rate, stroke length, and tethered force.
Main Methods:
- Twenty swimmers were divided into a control group and a hand paddle training group.
- Both groups followed identical training regimens for 4 weeks, with the intervention group using hand paddles during specific sprint sets.
- Performance metrics were measured before and after the training period, as well as after a 2-week taper.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were observed in swimming performance, speed, stroke rate, stroke length, or tethered force between the hand paddle and control groups.
- Internal training load and ratings of perceived exertion did not differ between the groups.
Conclusions:
- A 4-week training period incorporating hand paddles does not lead to improvements in front-crawl swimming performance metrics.
- The use of hand paddles for enhancing swimming performance over a 4-week period is not supported by these findings.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Exercise and Muscle Performance
Exercise induces a range of adaptations in muscle tissue, depending on the type and duration of activity. Such physical training can be broadly categorized into two types: endurance exercises and resistance exercises.
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
01:17Exercise and Cardiac Output
Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining cardiovascular health, with aerobic exercises being particularly effective. According to the American Heart Association, 150 minutes of moderate to intense aerobic exercise per week is recommended for a healthy heart. Aerobic activities may include brisk walking, running, bicycling, cross-country skiing, and swimming, ideally performed three to five times per week.
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be met...
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be met...
01:20Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Exercise significantly impacts cardiovascular response, which is crucial for understanding patient health and designing effective treatment plans.
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...