Table 5 Core training interventions
Reference | Competition level, sex. N intervention groups, age (y) | Non-specific dry-land resistance training | Week tr./ tr. per week | Resistance training program for EG and any changes in the CG habitual training | Performance measured | Other measured effects | Positive effects of training intervention | Findings in swim performance * Significant change from pre- to posttest (p < 0.05) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Karpinski et al. [49] | National n = 16 M EG, n = 8 20.2 ± 1.17 CG, n = 8 20.0 ± 1.9 | Core training | 6/3 | EG: 40 s work/ 20 s rest × 4 with flutter kicks, single leg v-ups, prone physio ball trunk extension and Russian twists CG: swim only | 50 m fc | Entry distance, entry velocity, time in air with take-off, dive angle, reaction time, time 5 m after turn, mean velocity after turn, SV, SR, SL and duration of 3 cycles |  + entry distance, reaction time, time 5 m after turning in both EG and CG, time in air with take-off, mean SV after turn and 50 m in EG | 50 m (s) EG: Pre 25.24 ± 0.35 Post 24.94 ± 0.49* CG: Pre 26.82 ± 1.09 Post 26.64 ± 1.19 |
Sawdon-Bea and Benson [45] | Regional n = 32 16 M, 16 F EG, n = 16 15.0 ± 1.0 CG, n = 16 15.5 ± 1.5 | Core training and shoulder flexibility | 6/3 | EG: 6 core exercises + 2 stretching exercises for 30 s work × 3 for all exercises CG: swim only | 50 m fc | McGill trunk flexor test, pectoralis minor muscle length, posterior shoulder tightness, upper extremity strength |  + core strength | 50 m (s) EG: Pre 31.52 ± 3.48 Post 32.06 ± 3.08 CG: Pre 31.69 ± 2.61 Post 31.74 ± 2.23 |
Weston et al. [44] | National n = 20 10 M, 10 F EG, n = 10 15.7 ± 1.2 CG, n = 10 16.7 ± 0.9 | Core training | 12/3 | EG: Prone and side bridge: 30–120 s progression through intervention Leg raises and bird dog: 10–30reps Overhead SQ and Russian twist: 5–25 reps with 3–7 kg Shoulder press: 10–25reps CG: swim only | 50 m fc | Shoulder extension strength, prone bridge test, EMG activity in core muscles |  + 50 m, shoulder extension strength, prone bridge, EMG activity in external obliquus, multifidus and latissimus dorsi | 50 m (s) Pre 29.7 ± 2.1 Post 28.9 ± 0.40* CG: Pre: 28.0 ± 1.9 Post 27.8 ± 1.7 |