Title: Effect of Three Weeks Lower Limb Strength Training on Swimming Performance– A Randomized Controlled Trial

Authors: Dr Basavaraj Motimath, Dr Nikita Shamine Miranda, Dr Nishi Mayur Sawkar

 DOI:  https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v5i3.20

Abstract

Background and Objectives: In swimming, lower limb are said to contribute very less and the upper limbs are said to contribute than lower limbs. Hence, the objective of the present study is to foresee the effectiveness of three weeks lower limb strength training using Therabands exercises and/or conventional exercises and to compare the effects of the Theraband v/s Conventional exercise on swimming performance.

Subjects: The present study included 45 recreational swimmers, out of which 23 were allocated in Group A, which received Theraband Exercises and 22 were allocated in Group B, which received Conventional Exercises. Group A had 7 male participants and 16 female participants. In Group B, had 11 males and 11 females.

Material and Methodology: Purpose of the study was explained and a written informed consent was obtained from all the participants. Subjects were recruited after meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria’s. 45 subjects were randomly allocated into two groups A and B using the chit method. Group A having 23 subjects received Theraband exercises and group B having 22 subjects received Conventional exercises. All the outcome measures were measured pre and post intervention.

Result: The mean age on the participants in Group A was 19.83years, the mean age of the participants of Group B was 20.18years. Both the groups were compared based on the outcome measures which included H.H.D. and 100m sprint time. Group A and B both showed significant increase in the lower limb strength. Group A showed more significance than Group B in the swimming performance. The mean post intervention of Group A was 2.47 with (p=0.0321*).

Conclusion: The present study provided evidence, that the interventions used in the study showed significant results in both the groups with respect to lower limb strength, while Group A showed more significance in the swimming performance as compared to Group B.

Keywords: Recreational swimmers, swimming performance, lower limb, strength, Theraband exercises, Conventional exercises.

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Corresponding Author

Dr Basavaraj Motimath

Assistant Prof. & Head, Dept. of Sports Physiotherapy

K.L.E. University’s Institute of Physiotherapy, Belagavi, Karnataka, India

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