Background: Little is known regarding the effects of adding strength training into swimming training (ST) programs on swimming performance of recreational swimmers. Aim: To analyze the effects of ST and combined strength and ST (CT) on the swimming performance of adults (*18 years). Methods: Twenty-five subjects of both sexes, with previous swimming experience, but who had not participated in regular swimming training for at least three months prior to the intervention, were randomly assigned into two groups: ST (n=14; 34.5 ± 9.8 years) and CT (n=11; 30.71 ± 9.38 years). The intervention period lasted 12 weeks, three times per week. In each ST session, participants performed as many 100-m repetitions possible within 30-minute period. Throughout four mesocycles, intensity increased progressively from 80-85% to 95-100% of critical velocity, while recovery interval between repetitions decreased from 30 to 15 s. In the CT group, the ST was performed immediately following the strength training session. The strength protocol involved eight exercises targeting major muscle groups (back, biceps, quadriceps, chest, hamstrings, triceps, and shoulders), consisting of 2-3 sets of 18-20 maximum repetitions in the initial weeks and 6-8 maximum repetitions in the final weeks. The protocol was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (CAAE: 42981315.7.0000.5347). To compare the different training types (independent) on the dependent variables [Total time (TT), Stroke Frequency (SF) and Stroke Length (SL)], generalized mixed models were used. Results: A significant reduction (p<0.001) in TT was observed across 25, 50, and 100 m, with no significant difference between the groups. Observed reductions to the 25 m were: ST 10.61% and CT 11.29%; 50 m: ST 8.63% and CT 13.40%; and 100 m: ST 11.11% and CT 17.38%. Significant increases (p<0.005) in SF (ranging from 13.43% to 16.73%) were observed at 50 and 100 m for both groups. The SL was not affected by either training modality. Conclusions: Strength training did not provide additional improvements beyond ST alone
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