The Effectiveness of Traditional and Adapted Swimming Training Methods as a Factor in Developing Basic Aqua Fitness Skills

Abstract

The article is devoted to comparing the effectiveness of traditional and adapted swimming teaching methods for developing basic skills necessary for aqua fitness. The study aims to examine the impact of different approaches to swimming instruction on the formation of coordination, endurance, and confidence in the water, which are crucial for further aqua fitness activities. Traditional methods focus on the sequential mastery of swimming techniques through repetition and correction, while adapted approaches consider children’s individual characteristics and use supportive equipment, such as swim belts and armbands, to reduce fear of water and facilitate faster acquisition of swimming techniques. The article is based on the results of an experiment conducted among young children, divided into a control group, taught using traditional methods, and an experimental group, trained under an adapted program with the use of supportive equipment. Objective:. to compare the effectiveness of traditional and adapted swimming teaching methods for developing basic aqua fitness skills in children. Methods. The study employed a comprehensive approach that included an analysis of scientific publications. Systematic observation of the training process in both the control and experimental groups was conducted to obtain objective results. Statistical data processing methods were used to evaluate the effectiveness of each method, enabling analysis and comparison of research results between the groups. The research results demonstrated that children in the experimental group (EG), who were trained using the adapted method, mastered basic swimming skills more quickly. By the first week, 35% of children in the EG had already shown basic swimming skills, compared to only 30% in the control group (CG). By the fourth week, 60% of children in the EG had mastered swimming techniques, compared to 45% in the CG. By the eighth week, 85% of children in the EG had successfully mastered swimming techniques, while this figure was 60% in the CG. By the twelfth week, 95% of children in the EG had fully acquired swimming skills, compared to 75% in the CG. Conclusions. The study confirmed that adapted swimming teaching methods using supportive equipment are more effective for developing basic aqua fitness skills in young children. These methods help children adapt to the water environment more quickly, facilitate the learning of swimming techniques, and reduce fear of water, ensuring a high level of comfort in the water. Traditional methods are also effective; however, they are more suitable for children who are ready to learn without supportive equipment in shallow pools.