Investigation of the effect of aquatic strength training on isokinetic strength and speed in swimmers

This study aimed to determine the effects of aquatic strength training in addition to swimming training on athletic performance characteristics (swimming speed and isokinetic strength) in swimmers. The study was conducted on 15 male swimmers aged 18-24 who regularly swim at the Faculty of Sports Sciences at Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University. During the 6-week training period, the swimmers performed swimming exercises, while the athletes performed aquatic strength training with aids (hand paddles and footboards) for approximately 45 minutes a day, 3 days a week. Pre- and post-training performance measurements were taken. The swimmers were asked to perform the following before and after the 6-week training, respectively: Body weight, height, BMI, and a 50-m freestyle swimming speed were used to measure swimming speed. For isokinetic strength measurements, 60%/second knee and shoulder flexion and extension were used, and 180/second knee and shoulder flexion and extension were used. Data were analyzed using SPSS 20.0. Based on these results, a paired samples t-test was used to compare the swimmers' pre-test measurements before the 6-week training session and the post-test measurements after the training session. A significance level of 0.05 was accepted. According to the findings of this study, a significant difference was observed in the left knee extension and left knee flexion strength parameters at 60°/sec torque strength at pre-test and post-test after aquatic strength training in water (p<0.05). Improvements were observed in right knee extension and right knee flexion values. A significant difference was observed in the left knee extension strength parameters at 180°/sec torque strength (p<0.05). Improvements were observed in the left knee flexion strength parameters. Improvements were observed in the strength parameters of right knee extension and right knee flexion at 180°/sec torque. Similarly, according to the pre-test and post-test results in our study, a significant difference was observed in the strength parameters of right shoulder extension at 60°/sec torque (p<0.05). Improvements were observed in right shoulder flexion values. Improvements were observed in left shoulder extension and left shoulder flexion values. Significant differences were observed in right shoulder extension and right shoulder flexion values at 180°/sec torque (p<0.05). Improvements were observed in left shoulder extension and left shoulder flexion values. Increases were observed in knee and shoulder strength, and this strength increase was transferred to performance in the water, resulting in improved 50-meter freestyle swimming performance. This swimming performance improvement is thought to be a result of increased isokinetic knee and shoulder strength. Conclusion: 6 weeks of aquatic training in water has an enhancing effect on swimming performance. Strength training in water has been shown to significantly improve 50-meter swimming performance. Considering the effects of strength training in addition to swimming training on the tests performed, it may be beneficial for athletes to include aquatic strength training in their annual plans, rather than solely swimming training, to enhance strength and performance development. Keywords: Swimmer, Aquatic Strength Training, Isokinetic Strength, Speed