AIM: this study was undertaken to evaluate the role of parachute on specific muscular strength performance at sprinters swimmers. METHODS: twenty sprinter swimmers were randomized in two groups: without (WP, n: 8) and MP: with (MP, n: 12) parachute. The swimmers trained 6 days per week for 12 weeks (1 x day; 2 h). The following performance tests were carried: specific strength (SS) and maintenance time of strength (MSS); swimming velocity in 15m (SV 15) as well as in 50m (SV 50) and stroke number at 50m (SN 50). RESULTS: after training program, there were not changes on SL and SV 15 for both groups. For all the other variables, were showed significant (p < 0,05) improvement to MP group: SS (> 30%); MSS (> 35%); SV 50 (> 16%); SN 50 (< 23%). The WP group only showed a significant improvement on MSS (> 9%). CONCLUSION: the parachute was efficient to improve specific muscular strength parameters as well as performance at 50m test at swimmers sprinters performance
Swimming training; muscular strength; parachute; physical performance; swimming velocity
