Previous studies have investigated the relationship between muscle strength and swimming power in postures assuming catching and pulling movements in front crawl swimming in collegiate swimmers. Muscle strength and physique develop rapidly in the youth period. Therefore, it is important to propose specific training to efficiently improve competitiveness from the young age group. The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between isometric shoulder joint muscle strength and front crawl swimming speed and/or swimming power in youth swimmers.
The subjects of this study were 10 youth swimmers. Shoulder joint muscle strength was measured using a handheld dynamometer. Shoulder joint muscle strength were measured in extension and internal rotation. Extension force was measured at maximal abduction and internal rotation force was measured at abduction-external rotation. Swimming power was measured using a simplified swimming power measuring device (Drag Boat). The Drag Boat is a device that can be converted into 5 levels of load.
As a result of this study, the extension force on the right side was significantly positively correlated with MSV, MSP, MSP/BM, and MTF. The internal rotation force on the right side was significantly positively correlated with MSP, MSP/BM, and MTF. There was a significant positive correlation between left extension strength and MSP and MTF. The internal rotation force on the left side was significantly positively correlated with MSP, MSP/BM, and MTF.
These results suggest that improving muscle strength in a position similar to a pull motion during swimming may increase MSP and MSV in youth swimmers.
