Introduction: Power and fast reaction are the most important success factors for swimmers. The purpose of Plyometric exercises is to achieve some kinds of fast reaction, explosive and powerful movements. The effect of Plyometric exercises to improve anaerobic power of young girl swimmers is not known. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Plyometric exercises in the water on the anaerobic power, front crawl record and the start length of semi-professional girl swimmers of 14-17 years old.
Methods: This was quasi-experimental study and statistical sampling was conducted in the form of targeted and available. Statistical sampling was consisted 40 semi-professional girl swimmers (aged:16.26±1.44 years old, height:160.34±4.03cm and weight:59.83±10.77kg) that they were invited from the city pools. They were divided into three homogeneous groups, experimental group 1 (swimming and Plyometric training, n=15), experimental group 2 (swimming training,n=15), and control group (without training,n=10). Average, minimum and maximum anaerobic power with RAST test, the 33 meters front crawl swimming record with stopwatch and the start length with meters were measured. All parameters measured in pre- and post intervention. Exercise program was performed for 8 weeks, 3 sessions per week with duration of 60 minutes. The data were analyzed by paired sample t-test and Covarians analysis (P<0.05).
Results: The significant increase was shown in the crawl record of the experimental group 1, after training (42.10 ± 5.18) compared to pre-exercise (54.53±5.15) (p<0.008). The 19%, 18% and 11% increase were observed in minimum, maximum and average of anaerobic power and 18% in the start length. These increases were significant in the experimental group 1(p<0.01). The experimental group 1 had a significant difference with the other groups in the variables (p<0.008).
Disscusion: According to the swimmers have access to water and do not require special devices during water training; for this reason, Plyometric exercises in water is suggested because the probability of muscle cramps and joint damages is reduced and functionality of semi-professional swimmers is increased