Effect of 8 Weeks of Grip Strength Training on Adolescent Sprint Swimming: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

R actual surface-swim performance, a swimmer’s ability to reach high speeds is determined by the ability to cover a long distance per stroke, while stroking at maximum frequency [1]. Short sprint swimming (50 – 100 m) requires a continuous high stroke rate and stroke length throughout the race [2,3]. The ability to cover a long distance per stroke demonstrates a greater propulsive efficiency [4] of a swimmer to reduce drag [5] and stroke length has been reported as the best discriminative factor for swim velocity [6]. Handgrip strength results from the forceful flexion of all hand joints (finger joints, thumbs, and wrists) and is measured as the maximum voluntary force that subjects are able to exert under normal biokinetic conditions. There are 35 muscles involved in grip strength which is created by the muscles involved in the flexor mechanism of the hand and forearm, whereas stabilization of the wrist occurs from the extensors of the forearm [7]. In addition to resistance training, handgrip strength is known to be affected by a number of factors such as age, body size, and gender [8]. Maximising propulsive force is a key factor in competitive swimming performance and isometric handgrip strength has been positively correlated with swimming performance [9]. Correlations are stronger in shorter compared to longer swimming races and are stronger for freestyle compared to other strokes [10]. In a recent review, giving mixed results Cronin et al., [11] found that stronger correlations were obResearch Article Exercise Medicine Open Access eISSN: 2508-9056