17th Annual Student Research Conference
Human Potential and Performance
The Effect of Concentric Training on the Swim Start
Alison M. Blyth*, Calie M. Fulmer, and Sarah M. Dance
Dr. Michael Bird, Faculty Mentor
This experiment compared the effect of concentric-only weight training and traditional weight training on the swim start. Participants included members of a Midwestern collegiate swim team (n=29). Participants’ swim starts were digitized before and after a 16-week weight training regimen. Weight training included lower extremity exercises performed traditionally, with a stretch shortening cycle, (n=14) or in a manner that eliminated the stretch shortening cycle and only used concentric muscle contractions (n=15). Based on the repeated measures ANOVA, only in pre and post center of mass peak resultant velocity increased as a result of the training (p<0.05). No interaction between training and swim start performance was found. Experimental design error likely confounded the results, as the posttest was done at the end of a taper, not at the end of training. Qualitatively, a number of the participants noted a perceived improvement. Additional research will provide further understanding of concentric training benefits.
Keywords: Concentric training, swim start
Topic(s):Exercise Science
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 5-5
Location: VH 1000
Time: 9:30