Influence of Different Strength Training Protocol on Breaststroke Performance in Competitive Swimmers

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53905/inspiree.v6i01.140

Keywords:

breaststroke swimming, strength training, high-intensity interval training, biomechanics, endurance training, performance optimization

Abstract

The  purpose  of  the study. This study aims to evaluate the effects of different strength training protocols on breaststroke performance in competitive swimmers, focusing on physiological adaptations, biomechanical efficiency, and performance outcomes.

Materials and methods. A 24-week randomized controlled trial was conducted with 48 competitive breaststroke swimmers (26 male, 22 female, aged 18–25 years). Participants were assigned to three groups: traditional endurance training, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and an integrated approach combining HIIT with technical refinement. Training intensity, volume, and technical components were systematically varied and monitored. Performance metrics, physiological adaptations, and biomechanical parameters were analyzed using mixed-effects linear models and Cohen’s d to determine effect sizes.

Results. The integrated training group demonstrated the most significant improvements across all metrics. Performance times decreased by 2.3% (50m), 2.7% (100m), and 3.1% (200m) compared to smaller gains in the traditional and HIIT-only groups. Biomechanical efficiency improvements included increased stroke length (10.2%) and reduced drag coefficient (12.4%). Physiological enhancements, such as a 12.3% increase in lactate threshold speed and 8.5% improvement in VO₂max, were also observed.

Conclusions. An integrated approach combining HIIT with technical skill development yields superior outcomes in breaststroke performance compared to traditional or HIIT-only protocols. This holistic training method optimizes both physiological and biomechanical adaptations, offering a robust framework for enhancing competitive breaststroke swimming.

Author Biographies

  • Nimrot Manalu, State University of Medan

    Physical Education Program Universitas Negeri Medan, Indonesia.

    Address: William Iskandar Street, Market V, Medan Tembung, Medan, North Sumatra, 20221, Indonesia.

    Disciplines: Sport Education

    Skills And Expertise: Teaching Physical Education

    Authors’ Contribution: abcde

    Contact e-Mail: nimrot@umimed.ac.id

     

  • Syarifah Fathynah SS, National Sports Institute of Malaysia

    National Sports Institute of Malaysia, Malaysia.

    Address: Kompleks Sukan Negara, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

    Disciplines: Sports Science

    Skills And Expertise: Sports Science

    Authors’ Contribution: abd

    Contact e-Mail: sfathynah@gmail.com

  • Ivan Reano Panjaitan, State University of Medan

    Physical Education Program Universitas Negeri Medan, Indonesia.

    Address: William Iskandar Street, Market V, Medan Tembung, Medan, North Sumatra, 20221, Indonesia.

    Disciplines: Teacher Education Educational

    Skills And Expertise: Teacher Education Educational

    Authors’ Contribution: ade

    Contact e-Mail: ivanreano28@gmail.com

     

  • Alifian Dwi Putra Situmorang, State University of Medan

    Physical Education Program Universitas Negeri Medan, Indonesia.

    Address: William Iskandar Street, Market V, Medan Tembung, Medan, North Sumatra, 20221, Indonesia.

    Disciplines: Sport Science.

    Skills And Expertise: Sport  Science Anaysis

    Authors’ Contribution: abd

    Contact e-Mail: alifiansitumorang435@gmail.com

  • Deo Rivaldi, State University of Medan

    Physical Education Program Universitas Negeri Medan, Indonesia.

    Address: William Iskandar Street, Market V, Medan Tembung, Medan, North Sumatra, 20221, Indonesia.

    Disciplines:

    Skills And Expertise: Physical Education

    Authors’ Contribution: acd

    Contact e-Mail: deorivaldi89@gmail.com

  • Muhammad Farhan Tumanggor, State University of Medan

    Physical Education Program Universitas Negeri Medan, Indonesia.

    Address: William Iskandar Street, Market V, Medan Tembung, Medan, North Sumatra, 20221, Indonesia.

    Disciplines: Sport Science

    Skills And Expertise: Sport Science Anaysis

    Authors’ Contribution: acd

    Contact e-Mail: mf2850663@gmail.com

     

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2025-01-27

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