Swimming in the rehabilitation and recreation of professional athletes

Abstract

Swimming plays a significant role in professional athletes’ recovery, contributing to physical and psychoemotional rehabilitation following competitions and injuries. However, research on the use of swimming for rehabilitation and recreation among athletes remains insufficiently developed, highlighting the relevance of this study and its necessity in sports practice. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of aquatic exercises in rehabilitation programmes for professional athletes with mild to moderate injuries, compared to traditional rehabilitation methods. Additionally, the study sought to determine the conditions under which swimming is most appropriate and effective for improving physical performance, reducing pain, and enhancing participants’ motivation. The study involved 120 athletes from various sports, who completed an 8-week aquatic exercise programme. The programme included aerobic, stretching, and recovery exercises, conducted four times per week with gradually increasing intensity. Evaluation of the results was conducted through measurements of physical indicators (strength, endurance, flexibility), analysis of subjective well-being, and the use of a visual analogue scale to assess pain levels. The findings indicated that endurance increased by 28%, flexibility by 20%, and muscle strength by 15%. The most significant improvements were observed in athletes with a moderate level of training. However, effectiveness was lower among participants with severe injuries, highlighting the need for an individualised approach that considers the specifics of each injury. The results confirm the appropriateness of incorporating swimming into rehabilitation programmes for athletes recovering from general injuries and overtraining. The practical significance of the study lies in the development of recommendations for sports physicians and coaches regarding the use of swimming as an effective means of restoring athletic performance