Kinematic analysis of the effect of complex training method applied to young swimmers on start parameters

The aim of this study is to investigate the biomechanical effects of 8-week complex training method on the swimming start parameters of young swimmers, comparing an experimental group with a control group. The participants of the study consisted of 24 licensed swimmers (12 male and 12 female) aged between 14 and 17 years, who were actively training at a private sports club in Balıkesir, Turkey. The athletes were randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group using a simple random sampling method. In the first week, pre-test measurements were taken from both groups without any intervention. While the control group continued with their regular swimming training programs as prescribed by their coaches, the experimental group received an additional complex training program once per week. Mid-test measurements were conducted at the end of the 4th week, and post-test measurements at the end of the 8th week. To evaluate the start parameters of the swimmers, high-resolution video recordings were obtained and analysed using the Kinovea video analysis software. The collected data were processed using SPSS version 30, and repeated measures analysis of variance (Repeated Measures ANOVA) was conducted to evaluate the effects over time. To identify the sources of significant differences between groups, Bonferroni post hoc tests were applied. According to the findings, a statistically significant difference was observed in the flight distance parameter between the experimental group (which received complex training) and the control group in both male and female swimmers (p<0.05). However, no significant differences were found in flight time for either gender (p>0.05). Regarding the water entry angle, a significant difference was observed only among male swimmers (p<0.05), while no significant change was found in female swimmers (p>0.05). These results suggest that incorporating complex training into the training programs of athletes may offer substantial benefits in short-duration, high-intensity sports such as swimming.