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NCT Number: NCT07815327

Comparative Effects of Dolphin Kick Streamline Training Versus Flutter Kick Training on Core Stability and Sprint Performance in Competitive Swimmers

This randomized controlled trial will compare the effects of dolphin kick streamline training versus flutter kick training on core stability and sprint performance in competitive swimmers. Both groups will receive the same land-based core conditioning program in addition to their assigned aquatic kicking training. Core stability and sprint performance will be assessed at baseline, Week 4, and Week 8 to determine whether either training approach produces greater improvements in competitive swimming performance.

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Key information

Conditions

Sports Physical Therapy

Age range

18 year–30 year

Sex eligibility

Male

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

About this study

This randomized controlled trial will evaluate and compare the effects of dolphin kick streamline training and flutter kick training on core stability and sprint performance in competitive swimmers. Participants will be randomly allocated to one of the two aquatic training groups. Both groups will receive an identical land-based core conditioning program to control for general core-strength adaptations. The intervention will be conducted over eight weeks, with outcome assessments performed at baseline (Week 0), Week 4, and Week 8. The study aims to determine whether dolphin kick streamline training or flutter kick training produces greater improvements in core stability and short-distance sprint swimming performance.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

**Inclusion Criteria:**

Minimum 2 years of competitive swimming experience.
Active participation in regular swimming training at the time of enrollment.
Medically fit and cleared for physical activity.

**Exclusion Criteria:**

History of musculoskeletal injury within the preceding 3 months.
Diagnosed neurological or cardiopulmonary condition.
Current participation in any structured core training program outside the study.
Inability to safely perform aquatic or land-based exercises.
Absence from more than two consecutive training sessions during the intervention period.

Treatment and study plan

Dolphin Kick Streamline Training

Behavioral

An 8-week progressive dolphin kick streamline training program for healthy male competitive swimmers aged 16-30 years with a minimum of 2 years of competitive swimming experience. Training frequency progresses from 3 sessions per week during Weeks 1-2 to 5 sessions per week during Weeks 6-8, with session duration progressively increasing. The training progresses from basic body undulation and flutter-to-dolphin transition to kickboard and underwater dolphin kick sets, race-pace butterfly training, sprint intervals, technique refinement, and race simulation. Participants also receive an identical land-based core conditioning program consisting of forearm plank, side plank, bird-dog, and dead bug exercises throughout the 8-week study period.

Flutter Kick Training

Behavioral

An 8-week progressive flutter kick training program for healthy male competitive swimmers aged 16-30 years with a minimum of 2 years of competitive swimming experience. Training is conducted 2 times per week. Weeks 1-2 consist of low-intensity training, Weeks 3-4 low-moderate intensity, Weeks 5-6 moderate intensity, Week 7 moderate-high intensity, and Week 8 high-intensity training. Exercise duration, rest intervals, and resistance are progressively modified, with light medicine-ball resistance introduced during Weeks 7-8. Participants also receive an identical land-based core conditioning program consisting of forearm plank, side plank, bird-dog, and dead bug exercises throughout the 8-week study period.

Primary outcomes

Horizontal Streamline Hold Test

Time frame: Week 0, Week 4, Week 8

Time (seconds) that the swimmer can maintain a rigid horizontal streamline position in the water, used to assess aquatic core stability.

Secondary outcomes

15 m Freestyle Sprint Test

Time frame: Week 0, Week 4, Week 8

Time (seconds) required to complete a 15-meter freestyle sprint from a push-off start. The best performance from two trials will be recorded.
25 m Freestyle Sprint Test

Time frame: Week 0, Week 4, Week 8

Time (seconds) required to complete a 25-meter freestyle sprint, used to assess sprint swimming performance and sustained swimming speed. The best performance from two trials will be recorded.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Zobia Naseem, MS

CONTACT

[email protected]

+923321963584

suman sheraz, Phd

CONTACT

[email protected]

+92335646361

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Riphah International University

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start: 2026
Primary completion: 2026
Study completion: 2027
First posted: Sep 11, 2026
Registry last updated: Sep 11, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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