SPORT SCIENTIFIC AND PRACTICAL ASPECTS

IMMEDIATE EFFECTS OF TOTAL BODY RESISTANCE EXERCISE (TRX)-BASED WARM-UP ON CRAWL-STROKE SPEED MUSCLE STRENGTH AND SHOULDER RANGE OF MOTION IN YOUNG COMPETITIVE SWIMMERS

Abstract

The aim of the research was to investigate the immediate effects of a TRX-specific warm-up on crawl stroke speed, muscle strength, and shoulder range of motion (ROM) in young competitive swimmers. Sixteen young competitive swimmers (mean age: 11.31 ± 1.6 years) participated in this study. Participants were matched based on crawl stroke speed and randomly assigned into two groups: (1) the intervention group, which performed a TRX-specific warm-up (n = 8), and (2) the control group, which performed a traditional swimming warm-up (n = 8). Muscle strength and shoulder range of motion (ROM) were measured immediately after the intervention. Following a 10-minute rest period, participants performed 50- and 100-meter crawl stroke swims to assess swimming speed. Results showed the intervention group significantly improved their 100-meter swimming speed and demonstrated an increase in left shoulder internal rotation range of motion (p < 0.05). However, no significant differences were observed in 50-meter swimming speed or muscle strength parameters. The control group showed no significant changes in any of the measured variables. Findings suggest incorporating a TRX-specific warm-up may enhance 100-meter swimming performance in young competitive swimmers. Therefore, including TRX exercises in pre competition warm-ups is recommended to improve swim performance.