Effects of Explosive Plyometric Training Versus Thera-Band Power Training on Sprint Swimming Performance

NCT07791693 | Not Yet Recruiting DMC

• 1 other identifier: Alina Imran
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 60
• Locations: 0 countries
• Sites: N/A

Brief Summary

This randomized controlled trial will compare the effects of upper-limb explosive plyometric training and TheraBand-based power training on sprint swimming performance in competitive swimmers. Participants will be randomly allocated to either an explosive plyometric training group or a TheraBand-based power training group. Both groups will continue their routine aquatic training while completing their assigned dry-land training program for eight weeks. Outcomes including 50-meter freestyle performance, Medicine Ball Throw Test performance, and 15-meter sprint time will be assessed at baseline and after completion of the intervention. The study aims to determine which upper-limb training approach is more effective for improving sprint swimming performance.

Conditions

Sports Physical Therapy

Keywords

Upper-Limb Plyometric Training; TheraBand Power Training; Dry-Land Training; Upper-Limb Power; 50-Meter Freestyle; Medicine Ball Throw Test; Swimming Performance; 15-Meter Sprint Time

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• 50-Meter Freestyle Time

  Time in seconds required to complete the 50-meter freestyle time trial, measured at baseline and after completion of the 8-week intervention. Lower time indicates better sprint swimming performance.

  Baseline and Week 8

• 15-Meter Sprint Time

  Time in seconds required to complete the 15-meter sprint, measured at baseline and after completion of the 8-week intervention. Lower time indicates better sprint start performance.

  Baseline and Week 8

• Medicine Ball Throw Distance

  Distance achieved in the Medicine Ball Throw Test, measured at baseline and after completion of the 8-week intervention. Greater distance indicates greater upper-limb power.

  Baseline and Week 8

Study Arms (2)

Closed-Chain Explosive Plyometric Training

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants will perform a structured upper-limb explosive plyometric training program three times per week for eight weeks in addition to their routine aquatic training. The program will include explosive push-ups, medicine ball chest passes, overhead medicine ball throws, plyometric push-ups, and other upper-limb power drills using progressive overload.

Other: Closed-Chain Explosive Plyometric Training

Open-Chain TheraBand-Based Power Training

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants will perform a structured upper-limb power training program using progressive TheraBand resistance three times per week for eight weeks in addition to their routine aquatic training. Exercises will target the shoulder girdle, upper arm, and scapular stabilizers through controlled movements related to freestyle swimming. Resistance will be progressively increased according to participants' performance and tolerance.

Other: Open-Chain TheraBand-Based Power Training

Interventions

Closed-Chain Explosive Plyometric Training OTHER

Participants will perform a structured upper-limb explosive plyometric training program three times per week for eight weeks in addition to their routine aquatic training. The program will include explosive push-ups, medicine ball chest passes, overhead medicine ball throws, plyometric push-ups, and other upper-limb power drills using progressive overload.

Closed-Chain Explosive Plyometric Training

Open-Chain TheraBand-Based Power Training OTHER

Participants will perform a structured upper-limb power training program using progressive TheraBand resistance three times per week for eight weeks in addition to their routine aquatic training. Exercises will target the shoulder girdle, upper arm, and scapular stabilizers through controlled movements related to freestyle swimming. Resistance will be progressively increased according to participants' performance and tolerance.

Open-Chain TheraBand-Based Power Training

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 17 Years - 25 Years
• Sex: male
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Child (0-17), Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Male competitive swimmers.
• At least 2 years of swimming training experience.
• Training at least 3 sessions per week.
• Willing to participate in the study and provide informed consent.

You may not qualify if:

• Musculoskeletal injury within the past 3 months.
• Neurological disorders.
• Cardiovascular disorders.
• Current participation in structured resistance or plyometric training programs outside the study.
• Contraindications to exercise or swimming.
• Non-compliance with training sessions.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Riphah International University: lead

Study Officials

• Zobia Naseem, MS-SPT

  Riphah International University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Zobia Naseem, MS-SPT

CONTACT

+923321963584; zobia.naseem@riphah.edu.pk

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Masking Details: Outcome assessors will be blinded to participants' group allocation during outcome assessment.
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Model Details: Participants will be randomly allocated to one of two parallel intervention groups. The experimental group will receive upper-limb explosive plyometric training, while the comparison group will receive TheraBand-based upper-limb power training. Both groups will continue their routine aquatic training for eight weeks.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: August 25, 2026
• First Posted: August 28, 2026
• Study Start (Estimated): September 1, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): November 1, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): November 1, 2026
• Last Updated: August 28, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-08

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share