Effects of plyometric and core training on swimming performance in prepubescent swimmers

Cemhan Apaydın; Ercüment Erdoğan

doi:10.15561/26649837.2026.0505

Authors

Cemhan Apaydın Ministry of Youth and Sports https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9466-1405
Ercüment Erdoğan Ordu University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4544-2211

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15561/26649837.2026.0505

Keywords:

core strength, plyometric, Swimming, anaerobic performance, preadolescence

Abstract

Background and Study Aim. Plyometric and core training are widely used as land-based training methods to enhance muscular power, stability, and athletic performance across various sports. Despite their widespread application in swimming training, the relative contribution of these training approaches to performance development remains a matter of practical interest. This study aimed to investigate the effects of land-based plyometric and core training, performed alongside regular swimming practice, on anaerobic performance, core strength, and sprint swimming performance in prepubescent swimmers. Materials and Methods. A total of 30 prepubescent swimmers participated in the study and were randomly assigned to three groups: the Plyometric Group (n = 10), the Plyometric plus Core Group (n = 10), and the Control Group (n = 10). The Plyometric Group and Plyometric plus Core Group completed an eight-week plyometric and/or core training program in addition to their regular swimming training. Before and after the intervention, participants were assessed for core strength, vertical jump performance, anthropometric characteristics (height and body mass), and sprint swimming performance (15 m, 25 m, and 50 m) in freestyle, butterfly, breaststroke, and backstroke. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results. Significant improvements (p < 0.05) were observed in the Plyometric Group and Plyometric plus Core Group in 15 m, 25 m, and 50 m sprint swimming performance across all strokes. Additionally, significant increases were found in core strength and vertical jump performance in both groups, while anaerobic power improved significantly only in the Plyometric Group. No significant changes were observed in the Control Group. Conclusions. Land-based plyometric and core training, when combined with regular swimming practice, improves sprint swimming performance (15–50 m) and core strength in prepubescent swimmers, whereas gains in anaerobic power appear specific to plyometric training alone.

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Author Biographies

Cemhan Apaydın, Ministry of Youth and Sports

apaydincemhan@hotmail.com; Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports; Ordu, Turkey.

Ercüment Erdoğan, Ordu University

Associate Professor; PhD; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4544-2211; e.erdogan@odu.edu.tr; Faculty of Sport Sciences; Ordu, Turkey.

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