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

August 25, 2026 updated by: Riphah International University

Effects of Explosive Plyometric Training Versus Thera-Band Based Power Training of the Upper Limb on Sprint Swimming Performance

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.

Study Overview

Status

Not yet recruiting

Conditions

Intervention / Treatment

Detailed Description

The study aims to compare the effects of upper-limb explosive plyometric training and TheraBand-based power training on sprint swimming performance in competitive swimmers. The objectives are to compare the effects of both training approaches on 50-meter freestyle swimming performance, upper-limb power measured by the Medicine Ball Throw Test, and 15-meter sprint tim

Study Type

Interventional

Enrollment (Estimated)

60

Phase

  • Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Contact

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Child
  • Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Description

Inclusion Criteria

  • 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.

Exclusion Criteria

  • 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.

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Treatment
  • Allocation: Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
  • Masking: Single

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm
Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: Closed-Chain Explosive Plyometric Training
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
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.
Active Comparator: Open-Chain TheraBand-Based Power Training
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
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.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
50-Meter Freestyle Time
Time Frame: Baseline and Week 8
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 Frame: Baseline and Week 8
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
Time Frame: Baseline and Week 8
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

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Riphah International University

Investigators

  • Principal Investigator: Zobia Naseem, MS-SPT, Riphah International University

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Estimated)

September 1, 2026

Primary Completion (Estimated)

November 1, 2026

Study Completion (Estimated)

November 1, 2026

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

August 25, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

August 25, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

August 28, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

August 28, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

August 25, 2026

Last Verified

August 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Other Study ID Numbers

  • Alina Imran

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

NO

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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