Document Type

Thesis - University Access Only

Award Date

2010

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Health, Physical Education, and Recreation

Abstract

Purpose: One purpose of this study is to provide validity for the tensiometer method of measuring tethered swim and swim bench force pre and post-taper. The second purpose is to examine the relationship between dry-land strength and tethered swim force.

Methods: 23 collegiate swimmers participated in general strength and dry-land strength measures (11 males, 12 females), 22 (11 males, 11 females) participated in tethered swim force measurements of (1) water pulling, (2) water kicking and (3) water swimming pre and post taper.

Results: A relationship between the back squat and water kicking peak force was (p=0.029, R = 0.64) reported as well as a relationship between bench press and water pulling peak force (p< 0.001, R = 0.81) and bench press and water swimming peak force (p < 0.001, R = 0.89) and bench press and swim bench peak force (p < 0.001, R= 0.89), respectively. No significant changes in 25-yard swim or body composition measurements pre to post taper. Swim performance improved by an average of 1.7%± 1.7when comparing post taper and pre taper.

Conclusion: A relationship between dry-land strength and water strength, as measured by tethered swim force, appears to exist. However, the methodology that is suggested merits further research due to the improvement in swim times but reported lack of improvement in tethered swim force pre to post taper.

Key Words: Taper, collegiate swimmers, tethered swim force, dry-land training, dry-land strength, swim performance, tensiometer, USA Swimming

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Swimming -- Training

Muscle strength

College athletes

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

59

Publisher

South Dakota State University

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