Effects of Horizontal and Vertical Vector Resistance Training on Swim Start Performance: An Eight-Week Intervention in Division One Collegiate Swimmers in Taiwan.

Background

This study aimed to compare the effects of an eight-week horizontal versus vertical vector resistance training program on swim start performance and lower-limb neuromuscular function in competitive swimmers.

Methods

A total of 16 collegiate swimmers (14 males and 2 females; height: 176.3 ± 10 cm; body mass: 68.8 ± 10.3 kg; age: 20.5 ± 2.3 year) were assigned to either a horizontal vector training (HOR) or a vertical vector training (VER) group and completed an eight-week training program. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included flight time, flight distance, underwater speed, 15 m swim speed, 25 m swim speed, and force-time metrics within both concentric and eccentric phases of the countermovement jump and squat jumps.

Results

No group or interaction effects were observed. However, time effects were found for flight distance (↑ 4.1-5.5%), flight time (↑ 6.2-12%), 15 m swim speed (↑ 0.3-0.7%), and jump performance. The HOR showed more favorable within-group trends in regards to swim start performance and concentric performance of countermovement and squat jumps. Moderate correlations (r = 0.450-0.476) were found between changes in concentric jump variables and 15 m swim speed.

Conclusions

These results suggest that both vertical and horizontal vector resistance training can improve lower-limb neuromuscular performance and swim start performance.