Effects of 12 Weeks of High-, Moderate-, and Low-Volume Training on Performance Parameters in Adolescent Swimmers

Abstract

Swimming, an Olympic sport with diverse distances and energy systems, requires early specialization for elite success. High intensity interval training (HIIT) is a fundamental method used by swimmers to enhance performance, offering both aerobic and anaerobic benefits. This study aimed to examine the effects of a 12-week HIIT program with varying volumes on adolescent swimmers’ performance parameters. A total of 50 participants were divided into three groups High Intensity Low Volume (HILV), Moderate Intensity Moderate Volume (MIMV), Low Intensity High Volume (LIHV), and their training sessions consisted of 10 sets with 60 s rest intervals between repetitions and 3 min rest intervals between sets. The intensity was determined based on a pre-test 100 m times. The results indicate significant improvements in anthropometric measurements, including weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), and body fat percentage, within each group, with no significant differences between groups. Swimming performance for various distances (50 m, 100 m, 200 m, and 800 m) showed significant temporal improvements in all groups, with stroke parameters such as stroke rate and length also exhibiting significant improvements (p < 0.05). Resting heart rate and swimming performance at 100 m and 200 m differed significantly between groups, highlighting the impact of training volume on specific outcomes. In conclusion, this study highlights the positive impact of interval training on the swimming time (50 m, 100 m, 200 m, and 800 m), stroke rate (SR), strokes per length (SPL), stroke length (SL), Borg scale (BS) for various distances, emphasizing the need for tailored training programs to maximize their development and potential.