The Effect of Long Interval Training on Swimming Performance and Stroke Kinematics in Adolescent Swimmers

This study aimed to investigate the effects of 6-week long interval training (LIT) program on 100 meter (m) freestyle, graded swimming performance and stroke biomechanics. Nine swimmers (13.55 ± 1.42 years) were included the LIT. This training period consisted of 4x300 m swims 3 times a week. Graded Swimming Protocol (GSP) and 100 m freestyle swimming performance were performed before and after the LIT period to evaluate the stroke kinematic and swimming performance changes. The paired sample-t test analysis determined in all parameters before and after the test. The result of GSP showed improvements in swimming velocity (p = 0.001), stroke length (p = 0.011), stroke index (p = 0.001), index of coordination (p = 0.013). Stroke rate (SR) values demonstrated decrease in certain stages and increase in others. In the 100 m test, the swimming speed (p = 0.010), stroke length (SL) (p = 0.028), stroke index (SI) (p = 0.006) improved. There was a slightly decrease in SR, but not significant. This training method in adolescent swimmers can be used as a unique method for improving stroke kinematic parameters that support aerobic capacity-based swimming performance enhancement.