The impact of a 3-year aerobic-based swimming training program on selected motor variables and anaerobic capacity in non-elite 10–2-year-old female swimmers

Study aim This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a structured swimming training program on selected motor abilities in young female swimmers compared to a control group. Material and methods: The study lasted 3 years. The experimental group included 14 swimmers (mean biological age at baseline: 10.52 years), while the control group consisted of 14 girls (mean biological age: 10.74 ± 0.62 years) who only participated in compulsory physical education classes. Every 6 months, both groups were tested for lower limb explosive strength, speed, and coordination, abdominal muscle strength, and anaerobic power (estimated using the vertical jump test). Results After 3 years of training, the swimming group demonstrated significantly better performance in lower limb explosive strength - standing long jump test (KW-H(1,168) = 66.173, p = 0.001), speed and coordination (KW-H(1,168) = 32.806, p < 0.001), reach jump (KW-H(1,168) = 12.433; p = 0.004), the horizontal scissors execution time (KW-H(1,168) = 43.915; p < 0.001). In contrast, the control group showed a higher median muscle power output (MPA); however, this difference was not statistically significant after Bonferroni correction compared with the swimmers. Conclusions A three-year endurance-based swimming training program can significantly improve girls’ motor skills and influence their biological maturation.