Laboratory Assessments and Field Tests in Predicting Competitive Performance of Swimmers

Ilona Judita Zuozienė,Jonas Poderys

doi:10.33607/bjshs.v3i86.276

Abstract

Research background and hypothesis. The assessments of functional fitness of swimmers includes the analyses of the physical, physiological and biomechanical indices for scientific purposes. The hypothesis is that dynamical parameters registered while performing field testing tasks could be more informative than laboratory assessments in predicting the performance abilities. The aim of the study was to compare the informativeness of field tests and laboratory assessments in predicting the possible performance of athletes in the 50 m distance.Research methods. Twelve professional swimmers took part in three testing procedures. First, each participant performed a test in water to establish the traction force parameters and indices of muscle power and anaerobic capacity. Second, the subjects performed a control 50 m freestyle swim the best they could. Third, the indices of relative muscle power during jumping tasks, anaerobic capacity, and functional indices of cardiovascular system were assessed during laboratory testing.Research results. Significant correlation was found between the results in 50 m swimming and traction forces while performing testing tasks in water or out of water with arms or arms and legs together. However, there was no statistically significant correlation between the results in swimming and the height of vertical jump. Still there exists significant correlation (p < 0.05) between the speed and force components as well as fatigability index and the competition result (r = –0.47; r = 0.56 and r = 0.67, respectively).Discussion and conclusions. Dynamical parameters measured in the swimming pool while performing field tests are more suitable than the data of laboratory research for predicting the results of swimmers in the 50m freestyle swim. The vertical high jump tests and indices of ECG allow distinguishing the factors limiting the working capacity of athletes.Keywords: swimming, functional fitness, field test.

Highlights

Various methodological approaches could be applied in assessing the level of fitness and functional state of athletes as well as in predicting their performance (Noakes, 2002; Barbosa et al, 2010; Cortesi et al, 2010)
Dynamical parameters measured in the swimming pool while performing field tests are more suitable than the data of laboratory research for predicting the results of swimmers in the 50m freestyle swim
The aim of this study was to compare the informativeness of field tests and laboratory assessments for predicting the competitive performance of swimmers in the 50 m distance

Summary

Introduction

Various methodological approaches could be applied in assessing the level of fitness and functional state of athletes as well as in predicting their performance (Noakes, 2002; Barbosa et al, 2010; Cortesi et al, 2010). Still the specific nature of the various kinds of sports is a significant factor in selecting tests and control exercises (Bosco et al, 1983; Counsilman, 1982; Carl et al, 2010; Cortesi et al, 2010). E. tests when the workload given during the testing corresponds to the specific manner of the sports action, are far more suitable for assessing special fitness of athletes in any kind of sports. The aim of this study was to compare the informativeness of field tests (testing indices obtained in the swimming-pool) and laboratory assessments for predicting the competitive performance of swimmers in the 50 m distance.

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion