The impact of specific preventive exercises on the development of certain physical abilities for the 100-meter freestyle swimming for men in the 9-S (S10) category.

Abstract

The problem of the research lies in the fact that swimming for physically disabled individuals is considered one of the most demanding activities for athletes with disabilities, due to the significant strain placed on them during training or competitions. This is a result of the resistance their bodies face in the water, which differs from the natural resistance in other activities, in addition to the loss of one of their limbs. Through field observations, investigations, and interviews with some coaches and athletes, as well as reviewing scientific sources, it was found that most physically disabled swimmers in the (10S9-S) category suffer from some injuries in the upper limb muscles, especially during the training period with increased training loads.The use of crutches during their daily lives, therefore, it was necessary to study this problem by preparing special preventive exercises aimed at improving and preparing the working muscles, especially the upper limb muscles, and trying to reduce injuries by strengthening the muscle groups working on each joint of the upper limbs in a way that ensures that swimmers with physical disabilities benefit from these exercises. The research aimed to prepare special exercises to prevent some upper limb muscle injuries to develop some physical abilities in the 100-meter freestyle swimming for men in the S9-S10 category, and to identify the impact of special exercises to prevent some upper limb muscles in developing some physical abilities in the 100-meter freestyle swimming for men in the S9-S10 category.The researchers used the experimental method with a single group and pre-test and post-test due to its suitability for the nature of the research. The research sample was intentionally selected, consisting of five swimmers from the Iraqi national team for physically disabled athletes in the 9S and 10S categories, all of whom had unilateral amputations of the lower limb. They represent 100% of the original research community, with three from the 9S category and two from the 10S category.  As for the most important conclusions, they were:  -1Preventive exercises, explosive strength exercises, speed strength exercises, and speed endurance exercises, especially those performed using tools like medicine balls, rubber bands, and weights, have effectively contributed to improving performance in the 100-meter swimming event for the (9s – 10s) category.  Flexibility exercises and muscle stretching exercises play a significant role in reducing sports injuries and are among the important factors that enhance muscle capacity, range of motion, and speed, as all these variables are interconnected.