The effect of core training in horizontal and vertical planes on swimming performance in early adolescence swimmers

This study aimed to examine the effects of core training performed in the horizontal and vertical planes on swimming performance in early adolescent swimmers. A total of 48 healthy male swimmers aged between 11 and 14 years voluntarily participated in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to four groups (n=12 each): a horizontal core training group, a vertical core training group, a mixed core (horizontal+vertical) training group, and a control group. In addition to their regular swimming training, the training groups followed specific training protocols for 8 weeks, 3 days per week. The control group continued only their routine swimming training. A pretest–posttest control group design was used in the study. Before and after the intervention period, all participants underwent the following tests: 50 m swimming performance, flight time, flight distance, stroke count, stroke length, standing long jump, vertical jump, 30-second sit-up test, core strength test, and medicine ball throw test. Comparisons between groups and measurements were analyzed using a two-way repeated measures ANOVA for mixed designs. Significant differences were found in body weight and body mass index (BMI) in the pre-test–post-test comparisons of the horizontal core, vertical core, and mixed core groups (p<0.05). In the control group, however, no significant differences were observed in body weight or BMI between the pre-test and post-test (p>0.05). Significant differences were identified in flight times in the pre-test–post-test comparisons of the vertical and mixed core groups (p<0.05), whereas no statistically significant differences were found in the horizontal core and control groups. Regarding flight distance, significant differences were observed in the horizontal, vertical, and mixed core groups (p<0.05), while no significant difference was detected in the control group (p>0.05). Additionally, no significant differences were found in stroke count or stroke length in the pre-test–post-test comparisons of the horizontal, vertical, mixed core, and control groups (p>0.05). Significant differences were identified in freestyle swimming performance in the horizontal, vertical, and mixed core groups (p<0.05), whereas no significant difference was found in the control group (p>0.05). Backstroke performance also showed significant differences in the vertical and mixed core groups (p<0.05), while no significant changes were observed in the horizontal core and control groups (p>0.05). Significant differences were determined in breaststroke and butterfly performance across the horizontal, vertical, mixed core, and control groups in the pre-test–post-test comparisons (p<0.05). Moreover, significant differences were found in standing long jump, vertical jump, 30-second sit-up, core strength test, and medicine ball throw performance across the horizontal, vertical, mixed core, and control groups (p<0.05). In conclusion, core exercises in the horizontal and vertical planes for 8 weeks were effective in improving performance in early adolescent swimmers. It is suggested that a training model combining mixed core (horizontal+vertical) exercises is more effective in enhancing swimming performance. Key Words: Early Adolescence; Core Training; Motor Characteristics; Swimming Performance.