This prospective observational cohort study aimed to investigate the effects of swimming style on pulmonary function and flexibility in young female swimmers. A total of 24 beginner swimmers (12 synchronized swimmers and 12 freestyle swimmers; aged 6-9 years) from swimming clubs in Istanbul, Turkey, were evaluated between January and April 2019. Pulmonary function was assessed using spirometry, measuring Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1). Flexibility was assessed by the Sit and Reach test. Assessments were performed at baseline and after a 3-month training period. No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of changes in FVC, FEV1, or flexibility improvement (p \> 0.05). However, both groups showed significant within-group improvements in flexibility over time. Longer-term studies with larger sample sizes may yield more conclusive results.
This study evaluated the influence of swimming style and associated dry-land training on pulmonary function and flexibility in young female swimmers over a 3-month period. Participants were beginner synchronized swimmers and freestyle swimmers, aged 6-9 years, recruited from different swimming clubs in Istanbul, Turkey. Pulmonary function was measured using spirometry, including Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1). Flexibility was assessed by the Sit and Reach test. Both assessments were performed at the start and at the end of the study period. While no statistically significant between-group differences were detected for pulmonary parameters or the degree of flexibility improvement, both groups demonstrated significant within-group improvements in flexibility. The findings suggest that swimming training, regardless of style, may enhance flexibility in young athletes.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
24
Yeditepe University
Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
Change in Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) - measured by spirometry at baseline and after 3 months.
Change in Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) - Pulmonary function will be assessed using spirometry. FVC will be recorded in liters at baseline and after a 3-month training period to evaluate changes in lung capacity associated with swimming style. (Time Frame: 3 months)
Time frame: (Time Frame: 3 months
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