Neuromuscular Predictors of 100m Freestyle Performance in Adolescent Swimmers

Abstract

Neuromuscular abilities are relevant determinants of performance in swimming speed tests. This study aimed to ana- lyze the relationship between neuromuscular variables and chronometric performance in the 100-meter freestyle test among adolescent swimmers and to identify the main predictors of competitive performance. A quantitative, cross-sec- tional, correlational study was conducted with 22 adolescent swimmers (aged 14–16 years; 12 females and 10 males). Squat jumps (SJ), countermovement jumps (CMJ), reactivity index (RSI), push-ups, sit-ups, and jump squats were eval- uated. Performance was determined by the total time achieved in the 100-meter freestyle test in a semi-Olympic pool. Spearman correlation analysis and multiple linear regression with backward elimination were performed. The final mod- el was statistically significant (F=8.45; p=0.001), explaining 58.5% of the variance in performance (adjusted R²=51.5%). The countermovement jump reactive strength index contributed most to performance (B=-62.97; β=-0.680; p<0.001), followed by abdominal strength-endurance (B=-0.296; β=-0.512; p=0.006) and squat jump contact time (B=-0.006; β=-0.399; p=0.038). In conclusion, reactive strength and core-related neuromuscular characteristics were significant predictors of 100-meter freestyle performance in adolescent swimmers. These findings suggest that neuromuscular monitoring may help characterize performance-related capacities; however, longitudinal studies with larger samples are required to confirm causal relationships.