THE EFFECT OF CONCURRENT RESISTANCE TRAINING ON TETHERED FORCE, LOWER LIMBS STRENGTH, ANAEROBIC CRITICAL VELOCITY AND SWIMMING PERFORMANCE IN REGIONAL AGE-GROUP BREASTSTROKE SWIMMERS: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of concurrent resistance training on tethered force, lower limb strength, anaerobic critical velocity, and swimming performance in age-group breaststroke swimmers. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 24 swimmers aged around 15-16, divided into an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group followed a 10-week training program combining aquatic and land-based resistance exercises, while the control group maintained regular training. Key performance indicators, including tethered force, 1RM squat, anaerobic critical velocity, and swimming performance over 50, 100, and 200 meters, were measured. Results demonstrated significant improvements in the experimental group for lower limb strength (20.57%, p < 0.01), tethered force (30.04%, p < 0.05), and anaerobic critical velocity (4.2%, p < 0.05), alongside enhanced swimming performance (p < 0.05). No significant changes were observed in the control group. These findings suggest that concurrent resistance training is effective in improving both strength and swimming performance and should be incorporated into regular training programs. Further research should explore its long-term impacts on endurance and technique.

-