The effects of swimming instructional method on selected aspects of physical fitness
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Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the method of swimming instruction and its effect on selected aspects of physical fitness. Procedure Sixty-six male swimmers were assigned to tow treatment groups. The subjects were considered to be a representative sample of the Texas A&M University intermediate swimming population. The primary differences between the two instructional methods were the intensity and duration of conditioning swims and the use or nonuse of supplementary weight training exercises. Group I participated in swimming only, using conditioning swim distances which progressed from 250 yards to 1000 yards. Group II performed a 5-minute swim for distance at the beginning of each class period. The swimming program of Group II was supplemented by a series of weight training exercises. Both groups received similar instructional and recreational opportunities. The subjects met for two 50-minute class periods each week during a college semester. The items included in the test battery utilized in this investigation were chosen as measurements of selected aspects of swimming proficiency and physical fitness. Tests of sprint swimming speed, distance swimming speed, and swimming safety skills were included as measurements of swimming proficiency. Dynamic upper body strength and muscular endurance was measured by a pull-up test. Static upper body strength was measured by the back lift test using a back and leg dynamometer. Abdominal strength and endurance was measured by a 2-minute sit-up test. The leg lift test involved the back and leg dynamometer was used to measure static leg strength. Cardiovascular endurance was measured by the Astrand-Ryhming test for predicted maximal oxygen uptake. The sit-and-reach test was used as a measure of extent flexibility. Percentage of body fat was measured by both the body density technique and the skinfold thickness technique. The test battery was administered at the beginning and end of a one semester physical activity program. ...