Adolescent amputee swimmers often experience challenges related to trunk stabilization,postural control, and efficient force transfer during swimming because of asymmetricbiomechanics associated with limb loss. Core muscle training has been proposed as apotential dryland conditioning strategy to support swimming performance and trunkendurance in Para-swimmers; however, evidence from randomized controlled trials inadolescent amputee swimmers remains limited.The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of a 12-week supervised isometriccore training program on trunk muscular endurance and 50-meter freestyle swimmingperformance in adolescent amputee swimmers. Participants will be randomly assigned toeither an experimental group receiving additional isometric core training together withstandard swimming training or a control group performing standard swimming training only.Primary outcome measures will include 50-meter freestyle performance time. Secondaryoutcome measures will include trunk muscular endurance assessments such as the 20-secondsit-up test, 20-second reverse sit-up test, supine bent-knee leg hold, and pronetrunk-extension hold. Assessments will be performed before and after the 12-weekintervention period.The findings of this study may contribute to the development of evidence-based drylandconditioning programs for adolescent Para-swimmers with limb amputations.
Not Provided
Behavioral: Isometric Core Training
Participants assigned to the experimental group completed a supervised 12-week isometric
core training program in addition to their regular swimming training. The intervention
was performed three times per week and included individualized exercises targeting trunk
stabilization, abdominal endurance, and lumbopelvic control. Exercises were adapted
according to the athlete's level of upper- or lower-limb amputation and included front
plank, side plank, trunk-extension holds, bridge exercises, Pallof press holds, and
bird-dog/dead-bug variations. Training duration and resistance were progressively
increased throughout the intervention period.
Other: Standard Swimming Training
Participants assigned to the control group continued their regular swimming training
program for 12 weeks without any additional dryland core training intervention. The
swimming program consisted of routine in-water training sessions conducted at the Ankara
Olympic Preparation Centre according to the standard preparation program for competitive
Para-swimmers.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Upper- or lower-limb amputation
- Participation in at least two consecutive Turkish National Para-swimming
-Championships
- Active training with regular competitive participation
- Age between 14 and 20 years
- Ability to participate in regular swimming and exercise training
- Written informed consent obtained from participants and/or parents/guardians
Exclusion Criteria:
- Discontinuation of regular training or competitive participation
- Acute musculoskeletal injury or cardiovascular condition preventing maximal exercise
participation
- Refusal or inability to participate in the study protocol
- Failure to complete the intervention or assessment procedures
Istanbul Gelisim University
Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
Not Provided