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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07619963

Isometric Core Training and Swimming Performance in Adolescent Amputee Swimmers

Adolescent amputee swimmers often experience challenges related to trunk stabilization, postural control, and efficient force transfer during swimming because of asymmetric biomechanics associated with limb loss. Core muscle training has been proposed as a potential dryland conditioning strategy to support swimming performance and trunk endurance in Para-swimmers; however, evidence from randomized controlled trials in adolescent amputee swimmers remains limited.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of a 12-week supervised isometric core training program on trunk muscular endurance and 50-meter freestyle swimming performance in adolescent amputee swimmers. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an experimental group receiving additional isometric core training together with standard swimming training or a control group performing standard swimming training only.

Primary outcome measures will include 50-meter freestyle performance time. Secondary outcome measures will include trunk muscular endurance assessments such as the 20-second sit-up test, 20-second reverse sit-up test, supine bent-knee leg hold, and prone trunk-extension hold. Assessments will be performed before and after the 12-week intervention period.

The findings of this study may contribute to the development of evidence-based dryland conditioning programs for adolescent Para-swimmers with limb amputations.

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Key information

Conditions

Sport Amputation Paralympic Athletes

Age range

14 year–20 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Istanbul Gelisim University

Istanbul, 34290, Turkey (Türkiye)

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Upper- or lower-limb amputation
  • Participation in at least two consecutive Turkish National Para-swimming -Championships
  • Active training with regular competitive participation
  • Age between 14 and 20 years
  • Ability to participate in regular swimming and exercise training
  • Written informed consent obtained from participants and/or parents/guardians

Exclusion criteria

  • Discontinuation of regular training or competitive participation
  • Acute musculoskeletal injury or cardiovascular condition preventing maximal exercise participation
  • Refusal or inability to participate in the study protocol
  • Failure to complete the intervention or assessment procedures

Treatment and study plan

Isometric Core Training

Behavioral

Participants assigned to the experimental group completed a supervised 12-week isometric core training program in addition to their regular swimming training. The intervention was performed three times per week and included individualized exercises targeting trunk stabilization, abdominal endurance, and lumbopelvic control. Exercises were adapted according to the athlete's level of upper- or lower-limb amputation and included front plank, side plank, trunk-extension holds, bridge exercises, Pallof press holds, and bird-dog/dead-bug variations. Training duration and resistance were progressively increased throughout the intervention period.

Standard Swimming Training

Other

Participants assigned to the control group continued their regular swimming training program for 12 weeks without any additional dryland core training intervention. The swimming program consisted of routine in-water training sessions conducted at the Ankara Olympic Preparation Centre according to the standard preparation program for competitive Para-swimmers.

Primary outcomes

  1. 50-m Freestyle Swimming Performance

    Time frame: Baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention

    Official 50-m freestyle race time measured using FINA-approved electronic timing equipment during national Para-swimming competitions.

Secondary outcomes

  1. 20-second Sit-up Performance

    Time frame: Baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention

    Number of correctly completed sit-up repetitions performed within 20 seconds to assess trunk flexor endurance.

  2. 20-second Reverse Sit-up Performance

    Time frame: Baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention

    Number of correctly completed reverse sit-up repetitions performed within 20 seconds to assess trunk extensor endurance.

  3. Supine Bent-knee Leg Hold Duration

    Time frame: Baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention

    Duration in seconds that participants maintained the supine bent-knee leg hold position to assess lumbopelvic endurance.

  4. Prone Trunk-extension Hold Duration

    Time frame: Baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention

    Duration in seconds that participants maintained the prone trunk-extension hold position to assess trunk extensor endurance.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Istanbul Gelisim University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of a 12-Week Isometric Core Training Program on Trunk Endurance and 50-m Freestyle Performance in Adolescent Amputee Swimmers: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2024
Study completion
2024
First posted
Jun 2, 2026
Registry last updated
Jun 2, 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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