Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 15, 2025
Swimming Performance Assessment in Fishes
Published on: May 20, 2011
Effects of core stability training on swimmers' specific performance: A systematic review with meta-analysis
Sebastián Rodríguez1, Catalina León-Prieto2, María Fernanda Rodríguez-Jaime3
1Facultad de Ciencias del movimiento, Programa de Fisioterapia, Fundación Universitaria de Ciencias de la Salud, Bogotá, Colombia.
Objective:
To determine the effects of core stability training on the specific performance of swimmers.
Methodology:
A systematic search of trials up to August 2024 was performed in PubMed, Bireme, Scopus and WOS, following the guidelines of the Cochrane Handbook and PRISMA statements. Two reviewers independently selected studies, with disagreements resolved by a third reviewer. Risk of bias was assessed using the ROB2 scale, and publication bias was addressed using funnel plots and Egger regression. In addition, study quality was assessed with checklists (SIGN/CONSORT). Data were analyzed in RevMan-Web using fixed-effects meta-analysis, assessing heterogeneity with I2, χ2 tests and Galbraith plots. Finally, the certainty of evidence was determined employing the GRADE approach.
Results:
Out of 2328 records identified, 11 studies involving 218 swimmers (11-20 years) were selected. Core stability training improved performance in the 50-m freestyle with a decrease of -1.06 s (95% CI = -1.48, -0.63). However, the effect in the 100-m freestyle was inconclusive with a difference of -2.26 s (95% CI = -4.85, 0.33). The certainty of the evidence for the 50-m freestyle was classified as moderate, whereas for the 100-m freestyle it was considered low.
Conclusion:
Sport scientists may consider implementing core stability training to optimize specific performance in the 50-m freestyle. However, its effect on the 100-m freestyle and other swimming distances and strokes is still unknown, which highlights the need for further research in these areas.
Registration Number:
CRD42024579857.
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