100-m Freestyle Research Articles

Effectiveness of Weight Training Program on Maximal Muscular Power of the Arm, Some Biomechanical Properties and the Digital Record of 100m Freestyle Swimmers

Effectiveness of Weight Training Program on Maximal Muscular Power of the Arm, Some Biomechanical Properties and the Digital Record of 100m Freestyle Swimmers

The Acute Effects of a Preload Upper-Body Power Exercise on 50-m Freestyle Performance in Youth Swimmers.

Hill, V, Patterson, S, Buckthorpe, M, and Legg, HS. The acute effects of a preload upper-body power exercise on 50-m freestyle performance in youth swimmers. J Strength Cond Res 38(7): 1295-1299, 2024-This study aimed to investigate the acute effects of a medicine ball slam and the optimal recovery time required to induce a postactivation performance enhancement (PAPE) response on 50-meter freestyle swimming performance. Twenty-four (13 female, 11 male) competitive, adolescent swimmers (mean ± SD: age, 16.7 ± 1.2 years; height, 173.3 ± 6.7 cm; mass, 63.1 ± 6.4 kg) participated in a randomized crossover study. After the PAPE intervention (3 × 5 medicine ball slams), subjects had 1-minute, 4-minute, and 8-minute recovery periods before a 50-m maximal freestyle swim. A 1-way repeated-measures ANOVA revealed that different recovery times elicited changes in 50-m performance (F = 12.12, p < 0.0005). After 4 minutes of recovery, 50-m performance was 1.6% (0.47 seconds) faster (95% confidence interval [CI] [0.17-0.77], p < 0.001). When the data were split by sex, after 4 minutes of recovery, 50-m performance was 2% (0.64 seconds) faster for women (95% CI [0.279-0.998], p < 0.001). In conclusion, an upper-body power exercise, before performance, can induce a PAPE response and enhance 50-m freestyle performance after a 4-minute recovery period.

Data Analysis on the Results of the 4*200m Freestyle Relay in Olympic Swimming

The 4*200m Freestyle Relay has been established as an Olympic event for many years and is welcomed by many audiences. The data visualization and analysis in this report are based on the 4*200m Freestyle Relay data from 1984 to 2020. Firstly, the overall situation of this Olympic event is presented. The data and charts show that a few teams in the world own the medals for the 4*200m, and in these teams, the USA and Australia are especially prominent, so one could almost say they are dominant. In comparison between these two teams, the USA was more dominant in the early years, but in recent years, the gap between Australia and the USA has narrowed. From the aspect of different sexes, male athletes in Team USA are more competitive, while female athletes in Team Australia are more competitive. In addition, teams with better performances in the 200m Freestyle are more likely to be brilliant in the 4*200m Freestyle Relay. The conclusions of this research bring some inspiration. For national teams, it is necessary to bring up enough athletes who are excellent in the 200m Freestyle if they want a brilliant performance in the 4*200m Freestyle Relay. For the Olympic Swimming audiences, more exciting 4*200m Freestyle Relay matches, and more teams that win medals in this event can be expected.

The effect of forced even pacing and an opponent on end-spurt behaviour in freestyle pool swimming.

To investigate the effect of forced even pacing through virtual pacing assistance and an opponent in a competitive setting on end-spurt behaviour in freestyle swimmers, including related physiological underpinnings. Twenty-seven competitive swimmers and triathletes were recruited. There were four 1500m freestyle trials: (i) familiarisation time trial, (ii) self-paced time trial (STT), (iii) head-to-head competition time trial (CTT) and (iv) forced even pacing through virtual pacing assistance time trial (FET). Eventually, 12 swimmers met the criteria for the CTT and FET to be included in the analysis. Changes in end-spurt behaviour, finishing time and physiological parameters (lactate, cortisol, noradrenaline and heart rate) were analysed using a linear mixed model with fixed effects for trials and a random effect for swimmer identity. A separate linear model was computed for competition outcome. The end-spurt for each race was determined by means of an end-spurt indicator (ESI; ESI>0 greater end-spurt). Swimmers demonstrated a significantly greater ESI in FET (+2.6; p<0.001) and CTT (+1.4; p=0.022) compared to STT. Blood lactate concentration in FET (+1.0mmolL-1; p<0.001) and CTT (+1.6mmolL-1; p<0.001) was significantly higher than in STT. Winners had a significantly greater ESI than losers in CTT (+1.6 and p=0.005). Swimmers utilised a greater end-spurt through metabolically optimal forced even pacing by virtual pacing assistance and in a head-to-head competition due a larger mobilisation of anaerobic reserves as indicated by greater blood lactate concentrations. Winners had a significantly greater end-spurt than losers despite similar metabolic disturbances.

A Comparison of Some Important Biochemical Indicators According to Escalating Physical Effort till Fatigue for Elite Freestyle Wrestlers, 800m Runners, and 200m Freestyle Swimmers

It is the nature of the game and the activity that determines the characteristic of the manifestation of fatigue according to what is required by the neuromuscular work in it, as well as the changes that occur in the functional variables and the time of the differential threshold. The location of each activity and the game of these teams have been studied in a special table for energy production systems as a result of continuous changes in their laws, and are considered within the energy systems such as the anaerobic system (Phosphagine) and lactic acid for (800) m runners - freestyle swimmers (200) m in the physical effort till fatigue. The comparison in the important functional indicators for them, and the research methodology embodied in the way of working through the method used, which is the descriptive method in comparison then, the researchers identified the research community for the young national team athletes for freestyle wrestling, and the national team(800)m runners, as well as of the national team in (200) m swimming for the sports season (2022-2023), A total of 21 athletes were selected in an organized manner and distributed into three equal groups (7 athletes) for each of the three types of sports (wrestler, 200-meter swimming and 800-meter running)., and the researchers would conduct tests for the research variables biochemical for the sample members, as well as some variables that have an impact on the results of the study such as (height, age, weight, and the age of training ), and the homogenization of the research sample members was carried out. The results of statistical treatments were presented, analyzed, and discussed, supported by sources. The most important conclusions were that most of the activities and the variation of values are very essential biochemical indicators. The differences were significant and the positive variation in accordance to the type of sport or activity, and the last variation between the activities in terms of comparison in these variables is due to the nature and specificity in terms of the intensity of the resistances and direct and indirect friction For competitors and the expenditure of energy stored in muscles. Finally, the researchers recommended knowing the most important biochemical indicators in these events and sports as they reflect a clear picture of the individuals' internal preparations and functional responses.

Swim start and performance in 50 m freestyle in different age categories of competitive swimmers

Background and Study Aim. In international races, the winners are decided by hundredths of a second, which is why the swim start plays an important role, especially in the sprint disciplines. The aim of the study is to reveal the differences in kinematic parameters of start and performance in the sprint 50 m freestyle discipline based on gender in different age categories of competitive swimmers at international competitions organized in Slovakia. Material and Methods. The sample consisted of 180 females and 189 males who were divided into age categories (K1, K2, K3). SwimPro cameras and Dartgish software were used to monitor kinematic parameters. The parameters monitored were - block time (BT), time (FT) and distance (FD) of flight, time (UWT) and distance (UWD) underwater, time to 15 m (T15), 25 m (T25) and 50 m (T50). Data were tested by Shapiro-Wilk, Kurskal-Wallis ANOVA and Mann-Whitney U test in Statistica 13.5. Results. In the phase above water level, there were greater differences (p&lt;0.01) in females than in males. Inter-sex differences (p&lt;0.01) were evident in FT in K3, K2 and in FD across all categories. In the underwater phase, differences (p&lt;0.01) were evident in both sexes. Inter-sex differences were more evident in UWT (p&lt;0.01) than UWD (p&lt;0.05). There were inter-sex differences (p&lt;0.01) in ST and SD between all categories except K3. At T15, T25 and T50, differences (p&lt;0.01) were most pronounced between K3 and K2, K1 in females and between all categories in males. Inter-sex differences (p&lt;0.01) were also evident across all categories. Conclusions. The study highlighted differences in 50m freestyle start and performance between age groups and gender, so coaches are advised to design training sessions for swimmers separately.

Effects of isometric training and R.I.C.E. treatment on the arm muscle performance of swimmers with elbow pain.

The effects of IT and R.I.C.E. treatment on arm muscle performance in overhead athletes with elbow pain (EP) have been partially validated. However, there is a lack of research evidence regarding the efficacy of these two methods on arm muscle performance among swimmers with EP. The aim of this study was to investigate the trends and differences in the effects of IT and R.I.C.E. treatment on arm muscle performance among swimmers with EP. The main outcomes were the time effects and group effects of interventions on muscle voluntary contraction (MVC). Sixty elite freestyle swimmers from Tianjin, China, voluntarily participated in the study and completed a 10-week intervention program. Swimmers with EP in the IT group showed a positive trend in MVC, with an approximately 2% increase, whereas the MVC of subjects in the R.I.C.E. treatment group and control group decreased by approximately 4% and 5%, respectively. In comparison, the effects of the IT intervention on the MVC of the triceps and brachioradialis muscles in swimmers with EP were significant (p = 0.042 < 0.05, p = 0.027 < 0.05). The mean MVC value of the IT group (0.60) was greater than that of the other two groups (0.51, 0.50). IT has a beneficial impact on the MVC performance of the triceps and brachioradialis muscles in swimmers with EP. It is recommended that professionals consider incorporating IT into regular training routines to mitigate the risk of EP issues. Future research should examine the effectiveness of both interventions on hand-grip strength and completion time in 50-m freestyle swim drills in order for swimmers with EP to return to this sport.

The Effects of Altitude Training on the Performance of Open Water Swimmers

Background and Aim: Training in a low-pressure, low-oxygen environment at the plateau is a difficult challenge for athletes who live on the plains all year round. Athletes need to overcome the stimulation of hypoxia to complete training. This paper aims to explore the influence of altitude training on the special quality, technique, and tactics of open-water swimmers. Methods: The method of literature, experiment, and mathematical statistics is adopted, and the experimental method is the main method. (1) The experimental subjects were male athletes with many years of experience in open-water swimming training and competition. (2) Test variable: swimming pool 1500m freestyle speed, swimming pool 50m freestyle speed, open water speed per lap, stroke amplitude, allocation of swimming speed. Results: (1) There was a significant difference between 1500 m swimming speed and open water swimming speed in the experimental group before and after the experiment; (2) The experimental group had a significant difference in 50m swimming speed before and after the experiment, the control group had a significant difference in 50m swimming speed before and after the experiment, and the two groups had a significant difference in 50m swimming speed after the experiment; (3) There was no significant difference in the athletes' swimming speed allocation after the experiment; (4) The stroke amplitude of the experimental group was significantly different after the experiment, and the stroke amplitude of the control group was significantly different after the experiment. Conclusion: Altitude training can improve the athletes' aerobic exercise ability, improve the athletes' backward swimming speed, and improve the athletes' stroke frequency. However, it has some negative effects on the athletes' speed quality and stroke effect.

Longitudinal Analysis of Race-Management Strategies in a World-Class 200-m Freestyle Swimmer: A Case Study

Purpose: To investigate race-management strategies over a longitudinal case study of one of the world’s best female swimmers of the 200-m freestyle to understand if only 1 race-management strategy allowed her to succeed or whether several profiles have been used over the 8 years of analysis. Methods: Different race-management strategies within and between 50-m laps emerged from cluster analysis. To better explain race management, additional characteristics described the level of adversity, the level of competition, the performance outcome, and the type of race. Results: Two strategies of race management between laps have been used, and both allowed her to succeed in her career. The first was characterized by a fast start and a greater decrease of the speed between laps, whereas the second exhibited a more stable speed management. When those strategies were examined in relation to the level of competition and the level of adversity, it appeared that the first strategy was used more in international competitions and associated with higher time intervals between the studied swimmer and the direct rivals, while the second one was used more in national competitions and associated with lower time intervals. Conclusions: Findings suggested that this top elite swimmer did not adhere to a single “ideal” race-management strategy. Instead, she demonstrated flexibility and the ability to adapt her race management to contextual factors throughout her career, effectively controlling adversity. This highlights the importance of including adversity analysis in race-management studies.

The Influence of a Supervised and Unsupervised Strength and Conditioning Program for Elite Adolescent Freestyle Swimmers

Introduction: Adolescent high school swimmers, aged 13-16 years, are an athletic population that can benefit from a strength and conditioning (S&amp;C) program which caters for their developmental and sports-specific needs. The aim of this case study was to analyze the adherence to and subsequent effect of a short-term (12-week) combined supervised and unsupervised S&amp;C program in elite adolescent swimmers during a competitive season. Methods: Seven elite adolescent swimmers (4 females, 3 males) completed the study (age: 15.2 ± 0.5 years; mass: 64.5 ± 5.1 kg; stature: 1.76 ± 0.07 m). The participants were required to adhere to one supervised S&amp;C session and two unsupervised S&amp;C sessions per week that were performed on non-consecutive days while maintaining their traditional swimming training schedules. The unsupervised component was delivered digitally with participant feedback monitored. The S&amp;C program consisted of upper- and lower limbs exercises with low loads and low volume as well as bodyweight exercise. Adherence to both programs was measured by attendance with correlational analysis conducted from total S&amp;C program adherence to swim performance. The effect of the S&amp;C training protocol was assessed using performance time pre and post the S&amp;C intervention during the 50-m freestyle swim. Results: The S&amp;C training program intervention resulted in significant improvements in the 50-m freestyle swim (p &lt; 0.001, d = &gt;1). Total adherence to the supervised and unsupervised parts of the S&amp;C program was 88% while adherence to the digital only component was 76%. Although a correlation was observed between total adherence to the combined supervised and unsupervised S&amp;C program (r = 0.8, p = 0.0243) and improved 50 m freestyle swim performance, this was not the case when the unsupervised component was compared to swim time performance (r = 0.4, p = 0.679). Conclusions: This case study demonstrated that a 12-week S&amp;C intervention has a positive effect on elite adolescents’ 50 m freestyle swim performance. Furthermore, swim performance was improved when participant adherence to both formats of the S&amp;C program were met. This study supports the development of S&amp;C interventions to develop these correlates and increase adherence.

Effect of self-modeling and self-controlled feedback on the performance of professional swimmers and waterpolo players

Self-modeling (SM) and self-control (SC) feedback can be presented as two solutions for learning improvement. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of SM and SC feedback on 100-m freestyle performance of professional swimmers and waterpolo players. 25 elite male swimmers and waterpolo players, were randomly assigned to four groups: swimmer group with SM, swimmer group with SM and SC feedback, waterpolo players group with SM, and waterpolo players group with SM and SC feedback. 100-m freestyle times and performance were recorded. SM and SC feedback for the participants were utilized at the acquisition stage. The device used included a Lenovo B570 laptop and an Exilim ZR200 canon camcorder. SM and SC feedback presented to the swimmers and waterpolo players led to improved speed and results, and the effect of presenting SM with SC feedback to swimmers had better results. In conclusion, the present study indicates that SC modeling of watching video is a suitable method for professional swimmers. Water polo trainers can also use SM and SC feedback to enhance their players' swimming technique.

Influence Technique Training Data sensor (Triton Wear) To improve biomechanical variables for some stages Performance and achievement 50m freestyle youth

Swimming is one of the sports with great muscular effort and complex motor performance that requires coordination and harmony between the movements of the parts of the body contributing to performance that defies the limits of humans. The development of physical abilities and the improvement of technical performance can only be separated from the support of scientific theories and technology, in order to improve training methods and feedback system based on the fusion of information and data using modern sensors and information collection system. On the performance and mechanical conditions of the swimmer to help develop performance and achievement, the researchers used for this purpose a device (Triton Wear data sensor) to collect information and feedback on performance, to prepare special exercises and correct thereal-time performance of 50 m swimmers. The research was conducted on a sample of swimmers amounting to (6) young swimmers whose technical and mechanical data was extracted after wearing the sensor under the head cover of each swimmer, and the performance data was analyzed on this system, and the experiment lasted for six weeks, during which special exercises and feedback were given. Instantaneous based on the sensor data of each member of the sample, and after conducting post-tests, it was shown that the exercises and feedback based on the sensor technology, had a direct impact on the improvement of the average performance of the sample in the 50-meter freestyle race and the improvement of all biomechanical values (such as average speed, frequency and length, acceleration and instantaneous strength) This improvement indicated that data collection and nutrition Using the sensor's multi-information fusion can be applied more precisely and differently in the training of different swimming races, and can find many motor problems in sports swimmers to describe training solutions for them, both for specific parts of the body and the body as a whole. Techniques for accurately identifying this valuable information can therefore be used for quantitative biomechanical analysis. And to reach the training process.

Fatiguing freestyle swimming modifies miRNA profiles of circulating extracellular vesicles in athletes

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are secreted by various tissues and cells under normal physiological or pathological conditions. Exercise-induced EVs may be involved in the adaptation of exercise-induced fatigue. The 1500-m freestyle is the longest pool-based swimming event in the Olympic Games, and there is a paucity of information regarding changes in the miRNA profiles of circulating EVs after a single session of fatiguing swimming. In this study, 13 male freestyle swimmers conducted a fatiguing 1500-m freestyle swimming session at the speed of their best previously recorded swimming performance. Fasting venous blood was collected before and after the swimming session for analysis. 70 miRNAs from the circulating EVs were found to be differentially expressed after the fatiguing 1500-m freestyle swimming session, among which 45 and 25 miRNAs were up-regulated and down-regulated, respectively. As for the target genes of five miRNAs (miR-144-3p, miR-145-3p, miR-509-5p, miR-891b, and miR-890) with the largest expression-fold variation, their functional enrichment analysis demonstrated that the target genes were involved in the regulation of long-term potentiation (LTP), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), glutathione metabolism pathway, dopaminergic synapse, signal transmission, and other biological processes. In summary, these findings reveal that a single session of fatiguing swimming modifies the miRNAs profiles of the circulating EVs, especially miR-144-3p, miR-145-3p, miR-509-5p, miR-891b, and miR-890, which clarifies new mechanisms for the adaptation to a single session of fatiguing exercise from the perspective of EV-miRNAs.

Corrective adjustment methods for relative age effects on French young swimmers' performances.

This study aimed to identify a Relative Age Effect (RAE) among French young swimmers and apply corrective adjustment procedures to rebalance performances according to categories and events. 5,339,351 performances of French swimmers aged 10 to 18 were collected between 2000 and 2019. Birth quarters distribution was examined according to competitiveness level ('All', 'Top50%', 'Top25%' and 'Top10%'), event and age category. A linear relationship between the distribution of performances and calendar days provides a calibration coefficient allowing to rebalance performances by considering the effect of RAE for each event. Then, adjusted performances are recalculated using this coefficient, the initial performance and the relative age. Proportion of swimmers born in the first quarter was higher than the proportion of those born in the last quarter for all events and strokes (p < 0.01). RAE increases with the competitiveness level for all events. Indeed, among 'All' 12 years old 50m freestyle swimmers, the proportion born in the first quarter is 30.9% vs 19.2% in the fourth quarter, while among the "Top10%", 47.5% were born in the first quarter vs 10.3% in the last one. (p-value < 0.01). In average, each day represents a gap of 0.008 second, resulting in a difference of almost 3 seconds over a year. This tool is validated by comparing swimmers who have performed at least twice in a season. It provides a day by day rebalancing method for all swimming events and age categories. Relative age effect is present among French young male and female swimmers, and is strengthened by competitiveness level. A new corrective adjustment procedure to rebalance performances considering categories and events is proposed and validated. By applying such a tool, we are able to reveal the full potential of swimmers and make it possible to compare them at the same relative age.

Race Analysis and Determination of Stroke Frequency - Stroke Length Combinations during the 50-M Freestyle Event.

The aims of this study were to: (1) analyze and compare the stroke kinematics between junior and senior elite male swimmers in every section of the race during the 50-m freestyle event, and; (2) identify stroke frequency (SF)-stroke length (SL) combinations on swim speed independently for junior and senior swimmers in each section of the 50-m freestyle event. Eighty-six junior swimmers (2019) and 95 seniors (2021) competing in the 50-m long course meter LEN Championships were analyzed. The t-test independent samples (p ≤ 0.05) were used to compare juniors and seniors. The SF and SL combinations on swim speed were explored using three-way ANOVAs. Senior swimmers were significantly faster in the 50-m race than juniors (p < 0.001). Speed presented the largest significant difference (p < 0.001) in section S0-15 m (start until the 15th meter mark) being seniors fastest. Both junior and senior swimmers revealed a significant categorization (p < 0.001) by stroke length and stroke frequency in each race section. It was possible to model several SF-SL combinations for seniors and juniors in each section. The fastest swim speed in each section, for seniors and juniors independently, was achieved by a SF-SL combination that may not be the fastest SF or the longest SL. Coaches and swimmers must be aware that despite the 50-m event being an all-out bout, several SF-SL combinations were observed (independently for juniors and seniors), and they differ between race sections.

Kinematic, arm-stroke efficiency, coordination, and energetic parameters of the 400-m front-crawl test: A meta-analysis.

Several studies have investigated biomechanical and energetic parameters in competitive swimming. Among these studies, it is possible to identify the 400-m front crawl as a useful test to assess these parameters. The present study provided a meta-analysis assessing representative variables for the kinematic, arm-stroke efficiency, coordination, and energetic parameters of the 400-m front crawl test. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus were the databases used to select the studies published between January 1970 and December 2022. Forty studies (n = 651 swimmers) were selected according to the eligibility and inclusion criteria. The variables chosen to represent each parameter were: clean swim speed (kinematics); index of coordination (coordination); arm-stroke efficiency (efficiency); and oxygen consumption (energetic). Swimming speed was moderate (1.34 m s-1) compared to the world's records performers. Thus, this speed contributed for the swimmers in remaining at high efficiency (35%), imposing a capture coordination model (index of coordination: -11%) with high oxygen consumption (58.8 ml·kg-1 min-1). High heterogeneity (>75%) was found among the outcome parameters in the studies. The different average speeds that represented the kinematic parameters seem to be the most responsible and influential in the arm-stroke efficiency, coordination, and energetic parameters for high 400-m freestyle (front crawl) performance. This meta-analysis can help researchers, coaches, and swimmers improving competitive performance, and developing further research in the sports sciences area, specifically in the swimming.

Pacing Behavior Development in Adolescent Swimmers: A Large-Scale Longitudinal Data Analysis.

This study aimed to use a large-scale longitudinal design to investigate the development of the distribution of effort (e.g., pacing) in adolescent swimmers, specifically disentangling the effects of age and experience and differentiating between performance levels in adulthood. Season best times and 50-m split times of 100- and 200-m freestyle swimmers from five continents were gathered between 2000 and 2021. Included swimmers competed in a minimum of three seasons between 12 and 24 yr old (5.3 ± 1.9 seasons) and were categorized by performance level in adulthood (elite, sub-elite, high-competitive; 100-m: n = 3498 (47% female); 200-m: n = 2230 (56% female)). Multilevel models in which repeated measures (level 1) were nested within individual swimmers (level 2) were estimated to test the effects of age, race experience, and adult performance level on the percentage of total race time spent in each 50-m section ( P < 0.05). In the 100-m, male swimmers develop a relatively faster first 50-m when becoming older. This behavior also distinguishes elite from high-competitive swimmers. No such effects were found for female swimmers. Conversely, more experienced male and female swimmers exhibit a slower initial 50-m. With age and race experience, swimmers develop a more even velocity distribution in the 200-m. Adolescent swimmers reaching the elite level adopt a more even behavior compared with high-competitive. This differentiation occurs at a younger age in female (>13 yr) compared with male (>16 yr) swimmers. Pacing behavior development throughout adolescence is driven by age-related factors besides race experience. Swimmers attaining a higher performance level during adulthood exhibit a pacing behavior that better fits the task demands during adolescence. Monitoring and individually optimizing the pacing behavior of young swimmers is an important step toward elite performance.

One-Week L-Arginine Supplementation Had No Effect on 200m Freestyle Swimming Time Trial in Moderately-Trained Male Swimmers

Research on the effect of L-arginine supplementation on exercise performance is still inconsistent and its influence on single-bout swimming performance has not been investigated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess if one-week L-arginine supplementation would enhance 200-m freestyle swimming performance in trained/developmental (regularly training ∼3 times per week with a purpose to compete) male swimmers. In a randomized, cross-over, double-blind design, 8 trained/developmental male swimmers (age 25 ± 5 years; mean ± SD) completed 200-m freestyle swimming time-trial on 3 separate occasions: a control trial; and after 2 separate 7-d supplementation periods, with a daily dose of either 8 g/d of L-arginine or placebo trials. Blood lactate concentration was measured immediately post time-trial swimming. Completion time of the 200-m freestyle swimming time-trial did not differ significantly (F = 4.55; P = 0.060; ŋp2 = 0.394) between control (149.40 ± 9.88 s), L-arginine (146.02 ± 10.34 s) and placebo trials (147.58 ± 10.86 s). There was no statistically significant difference in post time-trial swimming blood lactate concentration between trials (control: 11.2 ± 2.7; L-arginine: 13.1 ± 1.8; Placebo: 12.2 ± 2.7, F = 3.52; P = 0.058; ŋp2 = 0.335). One-week of supplementation with 8 g/d of L-arginine, had no ergogenic effect on middle-distance (200-m), freestyle swimming performance in trained/developmental male swimmers.

WITHDRAWN: The decrement in swimming performance following an increase in training volume is associated with muscle fibre typology

<h2>Abstract</h2><h3>Objectives</h3> We examined if muscle fibre typology (MFT) was associated with the magnitude of change in performance following alterations in swimming training volume in highly-trained swimmers. <h3>Design</h3> Single group intervention. <h3>Methods</h3> Ten swimmers (<i>n</i> = 2 female) completed four consecutive training phases: i) 2-wk normal training (NT); ii) 1-wk decrease (DEC1; 30 % decrease in volume) iii) 3-wk higher-volume training (HVT; i.e., 25 % increase from NT), and iv) 1-wk decrease (DEC2; 30 % decrease in volume). Swimmers performed a 200-m freestyle time trial (200-m TT), assessments of lower and upper-body power and a 10- and 30-s maximal tethered swimming test in the 2 days directly following each training phase. MFT of the gastrocnemius and soleus was estimated by quantification of muscle carnosine concentration using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in the week post-DEC2 and expressed as a carnosine aggregated z-score (CAZ-score). <h3>Results</h3> Some, but not all, performance-related and physical tests were affected by alterations to training volume. The relative increase in the 200-m TT time (i.e., slower time) from DEC1 (2:13.3 ± 00:07.3 m:ss.0) to HVT (2:16.0 ± 00:08.4) was associated with CAZ-score (<i>r</i> = 0.697, <i>p</i> = 0.025). 200-m TT performance was restored following DEC2 but there was no performance supercompensation. <h3>Conclusion</h3> The results of this study suggest that swimmers with a greater estimated proportion of type I fibres were better able to tolerate a short-term period of increased training volume. Nonetheless, a progressive decrease in training volume over 7 d was not sufficient to promote performance supercompensation in highly-trained swimmers.

Evaluating the Usefulness of the Modified Swimming Anaerobic Sprint Test (SAST) Based on the Relationship with the 100- and 200-m Freestyle

The construction of specialized physiological tests for swimmers is often based on those previously used in versions on land. So far, no attempt has been made to adapt the RAST test to conditions of an aquatic environment. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between the results from the 6 × 25 m front crawl test (Swimming Anaerobic Sprint Test—SAST) and 100- and 200-m freestyle performance. In a group of 22 swimmers (9 girls, 13 boys, mean age 17.2 years, body mass 67.6 kg, body height 1.76 m), the SAST was performed (10-s interval between repetition). To determine speed (v), stroke rate (SR), stroke length (SL), and stroke index (SI), the test and races were recorded with the use of cameras. The analysis included times from the competition and fatigue indices (the decrease in SI during the SAST). Analysis of variance was performed, and a correlation matrix was created considering variables from the SAST and competition. The indices describing the 200-m event differed from those recorded for the SAST and 100 m freestyle race. The SAST results (v, SL, SI) were strongly correlated with the 100- and 200-m performances. Fatigue indices have not been shown to correlate with competition performance. The SAST may be useful in the context of predicting results for the 100- and, to a limited extent, 200-m freestyle races.