Comparison of dry-land training programs between age groups of swimmers

Objective: To describe the current use of dry-land training in swimmers by age category.

Design: Randomized sampling questionnaire.

Setting: Web-based survey.

Participants: Ninety-seven coaches from swim clubs throughout the United States.

Main outcome measures: Dry-land training use, frequency, duration, mode of exercise, and exercise by body region in the following groups: ≤10 years, 11-14 years, 15-18 years, collegiate, and masters swimmers (≥18 years, noncollegiate).

Results: Among the surveyed coaches (n = 97), dry-land training use varied by swimmers' age (≤10 years [54%], 11-14 years [83%], 15-18 years [93%], collegiate [86%], and masters [26%]) and type of training modality (age ≤18 years [body weight exercises, stretching]; collegiate [free weight/machine weights and body weight exercises]; and masters [weight and cardiovascular training]). The most common body region exercised for all categories except masters was the spine/core, followed by the proximal leg, and then the shoulder. Masters swimmers focused on the shoulder region, followed by the spine. The primary reason for participation in dry-land training was injury prevention for all categories except masters. Limited practice time was the most common reason for not using dry-land training.

Conclusions: A total of 50%-93% of swim coaches surveyed for all groups except masters incorporated some form of dry-land training; they used body weight exercises in younger swimmers. The focus of dry-land training among swimmers ≤18 years and collegiate swimmers was the spine/core. These findings may be used to develop future studies on how dry-land training contributes to performance or injuries, especially in the younger swimmer.