Clinical Research Directory

Isometric Strength and Joint Mobility Profile in Elite Artistic Swimmers Across Competitive Categories

This cross-sectional observational study aims to establish reference values for joint mobility and isometric muscle strength in elite artistic swimmers across different competitive categories. The study will analyze inter-limb asymmetries and agonist-antagonist strength ratios in upper and lower limbs. Additionally, relationships between isometric strength, countermovement jump performance, and handgrip strength will be explored to assess their utility as functional performance indicators. Participants will be assessed during national team training camps using standardized, validated measurement protocols. The findings are expected to contribute to the identification of sport-specific functional profiles and potential injury risk factors in artistic swimming.

Dry-land Strength and Conditioning for Competitive Youth Swimmers

Starts and turns play an important role in swimming performance, with starts accounting for around a quarter of the total time achieved in a 50m freestyle race and have been recommended as a high priority area for improvement by York City Baths Club (YCBC). The relationship between starts and turns and plyometric and general strength training is well documented. However, few studies have explored this relationship in competitive youth swimmers. This non-randomised controlled trial will evaluate the effects of a dry-land strength and conditioning programme, when added to usual swim training, on the physical fitness and start and turn performance of regional- and national-level age-group swimmers. The study intervention will involve two supervised gym sessions per week for 10 weeks. Study outcomes will be assessed before the intervention, at the midpoint and at 1 week and 3 weeks post-intervention. The following testing will occur: Pool-based testing (50m Freestyle; a Time to 7.5m test; Turn time); Gym-based testing (Counter-movement jump; Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull; Athletic Shoulder (ASH)) The dive and turn measures will be assessed via video recordings.

Strength and Plyometric Training in Swimming

A total of 18 participants are planned to be included in the study. Participants will be randomly assigned into two groups in the order of their arrival. One group will perform strength exercises in addition to standard swim training (strength group), while the other group will perform plyometric exercises in addition to standard swim training (plyometric group). Both groups will participate in two training sessions per week for a duration of 8 weeks. The 50m sprint biomechanics, stroke frequency, or overall performance will be evaluated before and after the intervention.