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Core Stability Training and Breaststroke Performance in University Students Learning to Swim
Sponsor: Rongxuan Hu
Summary
The purpose of this study was to find out whether adding core stability exercises to regular swimming lessons could improve breaststroke performance in university students learning to swim. These exercises involve holding the body in set positions to train muscles that help maintain posture and stability. The study included 136 university students aged 18 to 20 years. Participants were assigned by chance to one of two groups. Both groups attended the same 90-minute breaststroke lesson each week. After each lesson, one group completed 30 minutes of core stability exercises, while the other group completed 30 minutes of low-intensity stretching and relaxation activities. These additional sessions took place once a week for 14 weeks. The main comparison was the time needed to swim 25 meters using breaststroke after the training period. Other assessments measured kicking performance, the number of swimming strokes, distance traveled per stroke, and muscle endurance during exercises performed on land.
Official title: Effects of 14-Week Supplementary Isometric Core-Stability Training on Breaststroke Efficiency in Beginner College Swimmers: An Assessor- and Analyst-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 20 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
136
Start Date
2026-02-27
Completion Date
2026-06-24
Last Updated
2026-10-01
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
Isometric Core-Stability Training
A 30-minute supplementary exercise session delivered once weekly for 14 weeks during Weeks 2 through 15, immediately after the routine breaststroke lesson. The program comprised six isometric exercises: wall sit, side bridge, dead bug hold, single-leg glute bridge hold, Bulgarian split squat hold, and standard plank.
Low-Intensity Stretching and Relaxation
A 30-minute supplementary session of low-intensity stretching, breathing relaxation, and cool-down activities delivered once weekly for 14 weeks during Weeks 2 through 15, immediately after the routine breaststroke lesson. Session frequency and duration were matched to those of the experimental group.
Locations (1)
Chongqing College of Mobile Communication
Chongqing, Chongqing Municipality, China