Sports Physical Therapy
Conditions
Keywords
Dolphin Kick, Flutter Kick, Core Stability, Sprint Performance, Competitive Swimming, Aquatic Training, Swimming Performance
Brief summary
This randomized controlled trial will compare the effects of dolphin kick streamline training versus flutter kick training on core stability and sprint performance in competitive swimmers. Both groups will receive the same land-based core conditioning program in addition to their assigned aquatic kicking training. Core stability and sprint performance will be assessed at baseline, Week 4, and Week 8 to determine whether either training approach produces greater improvements in competitive swimming performance.
Detailed description
This randomized controlled trial will evaluate and compare the effects of dolphin kick streamline training and flutter kick training on core stability and sprint performance in competitive swimmers. Participants will be randomly allocated to one of the two aquatic training groups. Both groups will receive an identical land-based core conditioning program to control for general core-strength adaptations. The intervention will be conducted over eight weeks, with outcome assessments performed at baseline (Week 0), Week 4, and Week 8. The study aims to determine whether dolphin kick streamline training or flutter kick training produces greater improvements in core stability and short-distance sprint swimming performance.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALDolphin Kick Streamline Training
An 8-week progressive dolphin kick streamline training program for healthy male competitive swimmers aged 16-30 years with a minimum of 2 years of competitive swimming experience. Training frequency progresses from 3 sessions per week during Weeks 1-2 to 5 sessions per week during Weeks 6-8, with session duration progressively increasing. The training progresses from basic body undulation and flutter-to-dolphin transition to kickboard and underwater dolphin kick sets, race-pace butterfly training, sprint intervals, technique refinement, and race simulation. Participants also receive an identical land-based core conditioning program consisting of forearm plank, side plank, bird-dog, and dead bug exercises throughout the 8-week study period.
BEHAVIORALFlutter Kick Training
An 8-week progressive flutter kick training program for healthy male competitive swimmers aged 16-30 years with a minimum of 2 years of competitive swimming experience. Training is conducted 2 times per week. Weeks 1-2 consist of low-intensity training, Weeks 3-4 low-moderate intensity, Weeks 5-6 moderate intensity, Week 7 moderate-high intensity, and Week 8 high-intensity training. Exercise duration, rest intervals, and resistance are progressively modified, with light medicine-ball resistance introduced during Weeks 7-8. Participants also receive an identical land-based core conditioning program consisting of forearm plank, side plank, bird-dog, and dead bug exercises throughout the 8-week study period.
Sponsors
Riphah International University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Masking description
single( outcome Assessor)
Intervention model description
Participants will be randomly allocated to one of two parallel groups: dolphin kick streamline training or flutter kick training. Both groups will receive the same land-based core conditioning program and will be assessed at baseline, Week 4, and Week 8.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
MALE
Age
18 Years to 30 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
\*\*Inclusion Criteria:\*\* * Minimum 2 years of competitive swimming experience. * Active participation in regular swimming training at the time of enrollment. * Medically fit and cleared for physical activity. \*\*
Exclusion criteria
\*\* * History of musculoskeletal injury within the preceding 3 months. * Diagnosed neurological or cardiopulmonary condition. * Current participation in any structured core training program outside the study. * Inability to safely perform aquatic or land-based exercises. * Absence from more than two consecutive training sessions during the intervention period.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Horizontal Streamline Hold Test | Week 0, Week 4, Week 8 | Time (seconds) that the swimmer can maintain a rigid horizontal streamline position in the water, used to assess aquatic core stability. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 15 m Freestyle Sprint Test | Week 0, Week 4, Week 8 | Time (seconds) required to complete a 15-meter freestyle sprint from a push-off start. The best performance from two trials will be recorded. |
| 25 m Freestyle Sprint Test | Week 0, Week 4, Week 8 | Time (seconds) required to complete a 25-meter freestyle sprint, used to assess sprint swimming performance and sustained swimming speed. The best performance from two trials will be recorded. |
Contacts
CONTACTZobia Naseem, MS
CONTACTsuman sheraz, Phd
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORZobia Naseem, MS-SPT
Riphah International University
Outcome results
None listed