(34) EFFECTS OF STATIC STRETCHING ON SWIMMING SPRINT PERFORMANCE

Various research has revealed conflicting findings regarding static stretching and swimming performance. This could be due to different volume, duration, and intensity of stretches performed prior to the swim trials. Another factor could be various swim trial distances performed.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a difference in 50-meter freestyle swimming performance under two conditions: static stretching (SS) and no stretching (NS).

Method: Thirteen adults (7 males and 6 females) ages 20.77 ± 2.28 years performed 50-meter freestyle swimming sprints both post static stretching (SS) and no stretching (NS). The SS and NS swim trials were completed at least 3 days apart and in randomized order.  Under the SS condition, subjects completed five different stretches (including both upper and lower body) for two sets holding each stretch for 40 seconds. Under both conditions, a standardized swim warm-up was preformed prior to the trial. Fifty-meter swimming trials were completed in a 25-meter pool consisting of one trip down, a turn-around, and one trip back. Stopwatches were used to time each trial. A paired t-test was the statistical method used to analyze group mean differences.  

Results: The mean swim times were 26.91 ± 2.21 and 26.97 ± 2.31 seconds for the SS and NS conditions respectively. There was not a significant difference between the two conditions t(12) = 2.17; p = 0.58.

Conclusion:   These results indicate that static stretching prior to a 50-meter swim performance does not appear to influence the outcome compared to no stretching.  Perhaps differences between conditions would appear if a larger static stretching volume (number of sets or duration) were employed, or a greater sampling size. Of further interest would be the aforementioned effects on longer swim trials e.g. 100-meters. Finally, the use of a subjective scale to measure stretching intensity might provide further insight. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Employing 2 sets of 30 – 40 second upper and lower body stretches prior to short distance swimming sprints could enhance acute range of motions without decreasing sprint speed.

Acknowledgements: None