Research summary · Training and performance
Combining pool and dry-land training for swimming
A network analysis of 36 randomised trials and 844 swimmers compares aquatic, dry-land and combined training.
- Publication year
- 2025
- First published online
- Publication type
- Systematic review and two-tier network meta-analysis
- Journal
- Frontiers in Physiology
- Population / context
- Competitive swimming
What the publication reports
Combined programmes ranked most favourably across the assessed performance outcomes. Water-based plus dry-land resistance training showed promising results for sprint swimming and stroke measures; core and power training also performed well for selected outcomes.
Limits and interpretation
Rankings combine direct and indirect comparisons. Protocols differed, some outcome networks were small, and sex-specific effects could not be assessed. The findings do not identify one programme or dose appropriate for every stroke, distance or swimmer.
Read the source
Consult the original record for the full author list, methods, references, funding and competing-interest disclosures.
Comparative effectiveness of physical training modalities on swimming performance: a two-tier network meta-analysis
Original publication / indexed recordPMID: 40951636DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2025.1636595Full text at the sourceReader discussion
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