Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Dry-land Strength and Conditioning for Competitive Youth Swimmers

This study is for young competitive swimmers at York City Baths Club, aged 12 to 21. It's investigating whether adding a special exercise program, done outside the swimming pool, can help them improve their starts and turns in races. Starts and turns are really important for fast swimming, especially in shorter races like 50m freestyle, where they can make up a quarter of the total time. While we know that strength training can help with these skills, there hasn't been much research specifically for young competitive swimmers. Participants will do supervised gym sessions twice a week for 10 weeks, alongside their regular swim training. We'll check their progress at different times throughout the study using swimming and gym tests.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

York St John University

Enrolment target

Start

08 Aug 2025

Estimated completion

31 May 2026

Swimming Strength Training Effects Power Training Exercise Protocols

What is this study about?

This study is trying to find out if specific exercises, done outside of the swimming pool (what we call 'dry-land training'), can make a real difference to how young competitive swimmers perform. We're especially interested in starts and turns, as these are crucial parts of any swim race. For example, in a 50-metre freestyle race, the start alone can account for a quarter of the total race time! So, getting these right can be a huge advantage for swimmers.

While many people believe that getting stronger and doing certain types of jumps can help with starts and turns, we don't have a lot of detailed research that specifically looks at competitive swimmers who are still growing and developing. This study aims to fill that gap. We want to see precisely how a structured dry-land training programme, when added to a swimmer's regular training, affects their fitness and their ability to perform strong starts and quick turns.

We'll be working with swimmers from the York City Baths Club, including those competing at regional and national levels. They will take part in two supervised gym sessions each week for 10 weeks. Throughout this time, we'll carefully measure their progress using various swimming and gym tests to see if the dry-land training helps them improve.

Key takeaways

This study aims to improve young swimmers' starts and turns.
It involves dry-land (gym-based) training twice a week for 10 weeks.
Participation is for swimmers aged 12-21 from York City Baths Club.
Progress will be checked with both swimming and gym-based tests.
It's an addition to, not a replacement for, regular swim training.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you need to be a member of the York City Baths Club, specifically in their National, Regional, or Club Squads. You should also be between 12 and 21 years old.

There are a few reasons why someone might not be able to join. If you, or your parent/guardian if you're under 16, aren't comfortable giving written permission for you to take part, then you won't be able to join. Also, if you currently have an injury that stops you from training, or if you can't commit to attending two gym sessions every week for the full 10 weeks of the programme, then this study might not be right for you.

This study is open to both male and female swimmers who meet these requirements.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a member of York City Baths Club's National, Regional, or Club Squads?
Are you between 12 and 21 years old?
Are you able to attend two gym sessions per week for 10 weeks?
Are you currently free from any training-stopping injuries?
Are you and your parent/guardian (if applicable) willing to provide written consent?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will continue with your usual swim training. In addition, you will attend two supervised gym sessions each week for a total of 10 weeks. These gym sessions will focus on strength and conditioning exercises.

We will assess your progress at four different points: once before the 10-week programme starts, once in the middle of the programme (at 5 weeks), and then again one week and three weeks after the programme has finished. These assessments will involve some swimming tests in the pool, such as a 50-metre freestyle swim and measuring your start and turn times. We'll also do some tests in the gym to check your jumping ability and overall strength. Some of your dives and turns will be recorded on video. The total duration of your active involvement in the study, including the follow-up assessments, will be around 13 weeks.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study might offer you the benefit of improving your swimming performance, particularly with your starts and turns, through a structured dry-land training program. You will also receive careful supervision during your gym sessions, which can help ensure you are exercising safely and effectively. As with any exercise program, there's always a small chance of minor muscle soreness or strains, but the supervised setting helps to minimise these risks. Remember, your participation is completely voluntary, and you are free to withdraw from the study at any time without needing to give a reason, and it will not affect your relationship with your club or training.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

York St John University
Verified postcode
York, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is 'dry-land training'?

Dry-land training means exercises you do outside of the swimming pool, usually in a gym, to help you get stronger and fitter for swimming.

Why are starts and turns so important in swimming?

Starts and turns are crucial because they can make up a large part of your total race time, especially in shorter races. Improving them can significantly boost your speed.

Will this replace my usual swimming practice?

No, this study adds to your usual swim training. You'll continue with your regular swimming alongside the new gym sessions.

How long will I be involved in the study?

The main exercise programme lasts for 10 weeks, but with initial tests and follow-up checks, your involvement will be for about 13 weeks in total.

What kind of tests will I have to do?

There will be swimming tests in the pool (like a 50m freestyle and timing your starts and turns) and gym tests to check your strength and jumping ability. Some will be video recorded.