Amateur Swimmers Research Articles

Why are the Dutch so great at swimming?

Abstract Amateur swimmer Sandra Alba interrogates an Olympian turned coach and two movement scientists on how Dutch swimmers defy random error to consistently bring home medals

Agreement, reliability, predictors and classification proposal of a 15´-time trial test to assess critical power in amateur swimmers

This study aimed to explore the agreement and reliability of a 15´-time trial test (T315´) to assess critical power in a large cohort of amateur swimmers. An observational retrospective cohort study total of 2212 amateur swimmers were made evaluating the results of anthropometry, cardiovascular and functional fitness assessments. Also, the participants performed a front crawl swimming 15´all-out test to assess critical power. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov, t-test, regression, percentiles, intraclass correlation coefficient and Cohen’s d effect size were developed using a statistical software A T315´ categorization proposal was made based on sex and age. There were differences by sex in all anthropometric, functional, physiological and T315´ outcomes. The T315´ swimming test obtained almost perfect reliability in the distance based on intraclass correlation values and linear correlation coefficients. A bias of T315´ of 2% was found, which represented a total of 10.65m between tests. T315´ is a useful test to assess critical power as a baseline fitness reference value for programming swimming exercises in amateurs. Keywords: anaerobic capacity, aerobic capacity, swimming, critical speed, evaluation, assessment.

Assessment of the impact of injuries on basic movement patterns in amateur swimmers

Assessment of the impact of injuries on basic movement patterns in amateur swimmers

Relationship between physical characteristics and 200-metre swimming performance in young amateur swimmers

Purposeː In swimming, elbow extension and flexion are among the most important movements involved in the front crawl upper body propulsive phase. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the characteristics of young swimmers in relation to 200-m performance. Methods: 16 male swimmers (Age: 13.13 ± 2.06y; Body Mass: 60.88 ± 18.58 kg; Height: 164.75 ± 13.77cm) underwent three laboratory tests followed by a 200m swim-test. Results: There was a significant relationship between the isometric elbow strength and 200-m speed (P < .05). Results also showed a significant relationship between the isokinetic contractions at angular velocities of 60°/sec and 180°/sec of elbow flexors and swimming performance (P < .05). However, the relationship between the isokinetic contractions at the angular velocities of 60°/sec and 180°/sec of elbow extensors and swimming performance was not significant (P > .05). There was no significant relationship between the values of the anaerobic and peak power and 200-m speed (P > .05) following the Wingate test. The variable “Isokinetic – Acceleration Time (msec) - Flexion 180°/sec” had a significant and negative effect on speeds (B = -.001, P-value = .029; R2 = .298, Adj R2 = .248), while the variable “Isokinetic - Acceleration Time (msec) - Extension 60°/sec” also had a significant and negative effect on speeds (B = -.006, p-value = .013; R2 = .368, Adj R2 = .323).Conclusions: Assessment of physical characteristics may help coaches understand the potential of their swimmers in a specific swimming event. Therefore, talented swimmers may be identified at an early age. Keywords: performance; isometric; contraction; isokinetic; elbow; Wingate.

Outbreak of acute respiratory disease caused by human adenovirus type 7 and human coronavirus-229E in Zhejiang Province, China.

In 2019, an outbreak of pharyngoconjunctival fever (PCF) occurred at a swimming center in Zhejiang Province, China. A total of 97 (13.55%) of the 716 amateur swimmers had illnesses, with 24 patients (24.74%) hospitalized in the pediatric ward. Human adenovirus serotype 7 (HAdV-7) was isolated from one concentrated water from the swimming pool, and 20 of 97 positive cases without liver damage. This outbreak led to a nosocomial outbreak in the pediatric ward, in which 1nurse had a fever and was confirmed to be adenovirus positive. The hexon, fiber, and penton genes from 20 outbreak cases, 1water sample, and 1nurse had 100% homology. Furthermore, 2cases admitted to the pediatric ward, 2parents, and 1doctor were confirmed to be human coronaviruses (HCoV-229E) positive. Finally, all outbreak cases had fully recovered, regardless of a single infection (adenovirus or HCoV-229E) or coinfection of these two viruses simultaneously. Thus, PCF and acute respiratory disease outbreaks in Zhejiang were caused by the completely homologous type 7 adenovirus and HCoV-229E, respectively. The swimming pool water contaminated with HAdV-7 was most likely the source of the PCF outbreak, whereas nosocomial transmission might be the source of HCoV-229E outbreak.

Non-invasive brain stimulation over the orbital prefrontal cortex maintains endurance performance in mentally fatigued swimmers

Background: Using anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (a-tDCS) on frontal brain areas might be a promising strategy to mitigates mental fatigue and maintain endurance performance swimmers. Objective: The objective was to analyze the effect of a-tDCS over the orbital prefrontal cortex (oPFC) on endurance performance of mentally fatigued female amateur swimmer. Methods: Nineteen female amateur swimmers participated in this study. In two experimental visits, the swimmers completed the 3-min all-out tethered swimming after performing a 30-min Stroop test with a-tDCS or placebo (Sham) stimulation over the left-oPFC. The brain stimulation conditions (i.e., a-tDCS and Sham) were performed in a double-blinded and counterbalanced order. Results: It was found lower critical force, mean force, force minimum, fatigue index, and aerobic impulse for Sham than a-tDCS (p < 0.05). There was no main effect of condition for peak force (p > 0.05). Conclusion: We concluded that a-tDCS applied over the left-oPFC in female amateur swimmers mentally fatigued maintained endurance performance. From a practical point of view, the use of a-tDCS should be considered to counteract harmful cognitive effects and maintain endurance performance during competitive race events.

Metformin anticipates peak of lactate during high-intensity interval training but no changes performance or neuromuscular response in amateur swimmers.

Metformin demonstrated potential to improve metabolic efficiency in short-intense and prolonged-continuous efforts. The present study investigates the acute effects of metformin intake on performance, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), blood lactate, blood glucose and neuromuscular parameters related to swimming high-intensity interval series. A double-blind, crossover, randomized and placebo-controlled study was carried out. Seven healthy swimmers ingested metformin (500mg) or placebo capsules on different days and performed a typical high-intensity training series (10 bouts of 50m with a 3-min interval). Performance, RPE, neuromuscular parameters (lower and upper limbs), blood lactate and glucose were analyzed by the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank and Friedman's tests between supplementation situations and moments, respectively (p>0.05), the moment where glucose and blood lactate peak were found were analyzed by a Student t-test (p>0.05) and a Bayesian repeated-measures ANOVA for effects analysis (BFincl). The anticipation of blood glucose and peak lactate was signaling by the interaction effect (metformin increased and placebo decreased) between the eighth and the last bout (BFincl: 4.230 and 5.188 respectively). The second interaction effect of blood glucose and lactate (metformin maintained and placebo increased) during recoveries between 5min and 7min (BFincl: 3.825 and 3.806 respectively) also signaling the anticipatory behavior of both physiological parameters. The anticipation of blood lactate peak concentration after metformin intake confirms the anticipatory behavior of blood lactate (p: 0.015). The anticipatory behavior of glucose was not confirmed. Although the anticipatory peak of blood lactate, metformin does not affect neuromuscular responses, RPE and performance. RBR-67wxdw8 Effects of metformin during swimmer training performance.

Swimming beyond the Metropolis: The Kent Street Baths in Victorian Birmingham

ABSTRACT Throughout the Victorian era, the availability of facilities and prevailing social attitudes were important influences on the swimming landscape. Middle-class concerns about the working classes led to the creation of municipal swimming baths following Acts of Parliament in 1846 and 1878 and these became hubs for the development of local swimming communities incorporating teachers, baths staff and users. Previously, swimming had been dependent on individual entrepreneurs, swimming professors, mostly operating in London, but amateur swimmers assumed control of the sport through their creation of clubs and the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA), which created the Midland Counties ASA. This paper draws on a range of sources, including archives, newspapers, and census records, to illustrate these transitions in the Midlands through a case study of the first 50 years of operation at the Kent Street Baths in Birmingham, which demonstrates the ways in which one local swimming community evolved, expanded and changed.

Elastofibroma presented as shoulder pain in an amateur swimmer: screening for referral in physiotherapy. A case report

ABSTRACT Elastofibroma is a benign and rare fibroblast/myofibroblast tumor usually located near the periosteum of the ribs. Patients with elastofibroma can remain asymptomatic or can experience a clicking sensation during shoulder movements, shoulder stiffness, scapular and shoulder pain and dysfunction. Importantly, the symptoms can mimic a musculoskeletal condition being mistaken for orthopedic shoulder joint disease. A 54 years-old amateur swimmer self-referred to physiotherapy for left subscapular and shoulder pain. Concerns from the patient’s history that caused suspicion of a medical condition included an insidious onset of nagging deep pain that increased with upper limb exertion and an audible thoracic clunk at arm end range flexion. Deep palpatory examination revealed a mass below the latissimus dorsi and rhomboids further screened by the physiotherapist with Rehabilitative Ultrasound Imaging. The physiotherapist referred the patient to a thoracic surgeon who removed the mass. After an exercise-based physiotherapy management program, the patient returned to previous activities including swimming after 5 months. The challenge for clinicians is to screen patients in whom shoulder pain may be related to non-musculoskeletal conditions. Prompt referral of patients presenting with the suspicion of elastofibroma to an appropriate physician may lead to a timely diagnosis and could avoid expensive and unnecessary rehabilitation procedures.

NADAR 2,5-KM INDOOR DISMINUYE EL NITRITO Y pH EN AIRE ESPIRADO CONDENSADO

OBJETIVO: determinar el efecto de una prueba aeróbica de natación en piscina clorada indoor sobre la concentración de NO2-, H2O2 y el pH en el condensado del aire espirado. MÉTODO: diez nadadores aficionados nadaron 2,5 km en piscina clorada. Se obtuvieron muestras antes y en cuatro oportunidades durante las ocho horas posteriores a la prueba. El análisis estadístico usó modelos mixtos y la prueba de Spearman RESULTADOS: la prueba se realizó a 74,99±10,10 % de la reserva cardíaca y duró 50,80±8,98 minutos. Posterior a la prueba disminuyó el NO2- (p=0,04) y el pH (p=0,02) en el condensado del aire espirado. Los valores pre-ejercicio se relacionaron con los cambios absolutos p=0,0002, p=0,047 y con el volumen de entrenamiento p=0,017, p=0,077 para NO2- y H2O2 respectivamente. CONCLUSIONES: la natación en piscina clorada disminuye la concentración de NO2- y el pH en el condensado del aire espirado.

Overall indexes of coordination in front crawl swimming

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to propose a group of parameters able to quantify not only arm coordination but also inter limb coordination. These include the well know index of coordination with the relative duration of the stroke phases and two new parameters: the Index of synchronization (Ids) between arms and legs actions; and the Index of inter limb coordination (IdIC) calculated as the relative foot position during successive arm stroke phases. These parameters were compared between experts and amateur swimmers in a maximal front crawl sprint. The influence of arm stroke in leg kick parameters was also assessed, comparing the full stroke condition with a condition without arms actions. Sixty-five per cent of expert swimmers used synchronized limb actions while 95% of amateur swimmers used non-synchronized limb motions. These synchronized expert swimmers also converged towards a specific coordination pattern between foot position and arm stroke phases. In the condition without arms, both groups changed kick rate and amplitude. The present study reveals the interdependency of arms and legs actions and the importance of coordination and synchronization between limbs. Therefore, the proposed group of overall indexes of coordination provides a more complete marker for the analysis of swimming technique.

Effects on performance of active and passive hypoxia as a re-warm-up routine before a 100-metre swimming time trial: a randomized crossover study.

Passive and active hypoxia could be used as a tool during a transitional phase to maintain the effects of warm-up and optimize athletic performance. Our purpose was to evaluate and compare the effects of four different re-warm-up strategies, i.e. rest in normoxia (RN) at FiO2 = 20.9%, rest in hypoxia (RH) at FiO2 = 15%, active (5 minutes dryland-based exercise circuit) in normoxia (AN) and active in hypoxia (AH), during the transitional phase, on subsequent 100 m maximal swimming performance. Thirteen competitive swimmers (n = 7 males; n = 6 females; age: 15.1±2.1 years; height: 164.7±8.8 cm; weight: 58.1±9.7 kg; 100 m season’s best time 72.0±11.8 s) completed a 20-minute standardized in-water warm-up followed by a 30-minute randomized transitional phase and 100 m freestyle time trial. Compared to AH (73.4±6.2 s), 100 m swim time trials were significantly (p = 0.002; η2 = 0.766) slower in RN (75.7±6.7 s; p = 0.01), AN (75.2±6.7 s; p = 0.038) and RH (75.0±6.4 s; p = 0.009). Moreover, compared to AH (36.3±0.4ºC), tympanic temperature was significantly lower (p<0.001; η2 = 0.828) at the end of the transitional phase in passive conditions (RN: 35.9±0.6; p = 0.032; RH: 36.0±0.4; p = 0.05). In addition, countermovement jump height at the end of the transitional phase was significantly higher in active than in passive conditions (p = 0.001; η2 = 0.728). A dryland-based circuit under hypoxia could be useful to swimmers, once it has attenuated the decline in tympanic temperature during a 30-minute transitional phase after warm-up, improving 100 m swimming performance in young amateur swimmers.

‘I hurt myself because it sometimes helps’: former athletes’ embodied emotion responses to abuse using self-injury

ABSTRACT In this paper, narrative analysis using a story analyst approach is used to explore how three former athletes (i.e. amateur and elite swimmers) self-managed their abuse experiences post-sport with a focus on the use, and meaning, of ‘indirect self-injury’ forms. Using the concept of ‘emotion work’, the swimmers’ stories show how they reconfigured the emotions associated with the legacy of abuse by using indirect self-injury (e.g. eating disorder; abuse of prescription medications; excessive alcohol use; promiscuity) as embodied resources, after they were left to fend for themselves post-sport. As acquired resources within their self-stories, indirect forms of self-injury assisted them to reconfigure the trauma of abuse into something that was more manageable (i.e. ‘emotion work’). While ‘emotion work’ was storied as successful for the three swimmers in the short term, the potential long-term health consequences of self-injury (i.e. kidney disease; liver damage; unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, death) were imminent. These findings highlight the need for sporting stakeholders to extend their duty of care to athletes, particularly abused athletes, post-sport.

Evaluation of the Heart Function of Swimmers Subjected to Exhaustive Repetitive Endurance Efforts During a 500-km Relay.

Aim: Knowledge of the human body’s ability to adapt to repeated endurance efforts during swimming is limited. We echocardiographically assessed the impact of an exhausting and repetitive swimming effort on cardiac activity.Materials: Fourteen well-trained amateur swimmers (8 female swimmers aged 16–43 years and 6 male swimmers aged 13–67 years old) participated in an ultramarathon relay. Over 5 days, swimmers swam 500 km in the Warta River (in 5-km intervals). Each swimmer swam seven intervals, each within 44:46 to 60:02 min. Objective difficulties included low water temperatures, strong winds, rain, and night conditions.Methods: Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was performed three times: at baseline (the day before exertion), at peak effort, and during recovery (48 h after the event). The heart rate (HR) of each swimmer was monitored.Results: Swimmers completed the ultramarathon relay within approximately 91 h. The average HR value at the end of each interval was 91% HRmax. TTE test results showed no significant changes indicative of deterioration of myocardial function at peak effort or after 48 h. Significant increases in left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction, LV fractional shortening (LVFS), LV myocardial systolic velocity, and right ventricular (RV) fractional area changes observed on day 2 after swimming were compared to baseline values and peak effort values. No significant changes in diastolic heart function were observed.Conclusion: Echocardiography assessment indicated that prolonged intense swimming does not affect LV or RV function. Supercompensation of the post-event RV function and increased global LV systolic function demonstrated ventricular interaction after prolonged intense swimming.

Motivation, Self-Perception of Success and Attitudes of Amateur Swimmers

Motivation, Self-Perception of Success and Attitudes of Amateur Swimmers

Swimming Practice and Scapular Kinematics, Scapulothoracic Muscle Activity, and the Pressure-Pain Threshold in Young Swimmers.

Whereas alterations in scapular kinematics, scapulothoracic muscle activity, and pain sensitivity have been described in adult swimmers, no researchers have examined these outcomes in young swimmers. To compare scapular kinematics, scapulothoracic muscle activation, and the pressure-pain threshold (PPT) of the shoulder muscles among young nonpractitioners (those who were not involved in sports involving the upper limbs), amateur swimmers, and competitive swimmers. Cross-sectional study. Laboratory. A total of 90 individuals (age = 11.63 ± 0.61 years) in 3 groups: nonpractitioners, amateur swimmers, and competitive swimmers. Scapular kinematics and activity of the upper trapezius, lower trapezius, and serratus anterior (SA) were measured during upper extremity elevation in the scapular plane. The PPT was assessed in the upper trapezius, infraspinatus, supraspinatus, middle deltoid, and tibialis anterior. Scapular kinematics, scapulothoracic muscle activation, and PPT. We conducted a 2-way mixed-model analysis of variance and a 1-way analysis of variance for scapular rotation and PPT, respectively. A Kruskal-Wallis test was used to assess muscle activity. The α level was set at .05. Competitive swimmers presented more internal rotation at 90° ( P = .03) and 120° ( P = .047) and more anterior tilt at 90° ( P = .03) than nonpractitioners. Amateur swimmers demonstrated more anterior tilt at 90° ( P = .004) and 120° ( P = .005) than nonpractitioners. Competitive swimmers had greater SA activation in the intervals from 60° to 90° ( P = .02) and 90° to 120° ( P = .01) than amateur swimmers. They also displayed more SA activation in the interval from 90° to 120° than nonpractitioners ( P = .04). No differences were found in any of the muscles for the PPT ( P > .05). Young competitive swimmers presented alterations in scapular kinematics and scapulothoracic muscle activation during upper extremity elevation that may be due to sport practice. Mechanical pain sensitivity was not altered in young swimmers.

High Rate of Return to Swimming After Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement

To evaluate patients' ability to return to swimming after hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) with capsular closure. Consecutive FAIS patients who had undergone hip arthroscopy for the treatment of FAIS by a single fellowship-trained surgeon were reviewed. The inclusion criteria included patients with a diagnosis of FAIS who self-reported being swimming athletes with a minimum clinical follow-up duration of 2years. For all patients, we assessed demographic data; preoperative physical examination findings, imaging findings, and patient-reported outcome (PRO) scores including the modified Harris Hip Score, Hip Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living subscale, Hip Outcome Score-Sports-Specific subscale, and visual analog scale for pain; and postoperative examination findings and PROs at a minimum of 2years after surgery, including a swimming-specific questionnaire. The study included 26 patients (62% female patients; average age, 31.3 ± 7.2years; average body mass index, 24.2 ± 2.7 kg/m2). Preoperatively, 24 patients (92%) were unable to swim at their preinjury level, and swimming was either decreased or discontinued entirely at an average of 6.0 ± 4.0months before surgery. All 26 patients (100%) returned to swimming at an average of 3.4 ± 1.7months after surgery, including 14 (54%) who returned at a higher level of performance than their preoperative state, 10 (38%) who returned to the same level, and 2 (7%) who returned at a lower level. The ability to return at a higher level of performance was not associated with age (P= .81), sex (P= .62), or body mass index (P= .16). At an average of 31.2 ± 4.95months' follow-up, postoperative PRO scores improved significantly from preoperative values (Hip Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living subscale from 68.5 ± 19.9 to 93.9 ± 5.7, P < .0001; Hip Outcome Score-Sports-Specific subscale from 44.0 ± 21.0 to 85.2 ± 16, P < .0001; and modified Harris Hip Score from 59.5 ± 12.1 to 94 ± 8.6, P < .0001). The average patient satisfaction level was 93% ± 9%. Recreational and amateur swimmers return to swimming 100% of the time after hip arthroscopy for FAIS, with just over half returning at a higher level, and most of these patients return within 4months after surgery. This information is critical in counseling patients on their expectations with respect to returning to swimming after hip arthroscopy for FAIS. Level IV, case series.

Transcultural adaptation and measurement properties of the Brazilian version of the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A) questionnaire

To compare the humeral retrotorsion (HRT) among non-athletes, amateur swimmers and competitive swimmers and to analyze the relationship between HRT and swim volume in competitive swimmers.Cross-sectional.Laboratory.Ninety children and adolescents, both genders (30 non-athletes: 11.50 ± 1.94 years; 30 amateur swimmers: 11.56 ± 1.81 years; and 30 competitive swimmers: 12.63 ± 2.02 years).HRT measurement through the bicipital forearm angle (BFA), by palpation, using an inclinometer to obtain the angle.Competitive swimmers showed lower BFA (higher HRT) compared to the amateurs (mean difference: 8.3°; p = 0.013; effect size: 0.82) and to the non-athletes (mean difference: 8.5°; p = 0.010; effect size: 0.80). A significant fair negative relationship (r = −0.37; p = 0.04) was found between BFA and volume of swim.Competitive young swimmers present increased HRT and a higher volume of swim is associated with a lower BFA (higher HRT) in these athletes. These results can help to improve the understanding of osseous adaptations in young swimmers.

Nonlinear association of the predictive factors for dynamic knee valgus during the forward step down test in young athletes

To compare the humeral retrotorsion (HRT) among non-athletes, amateur swimmers and competitive swimmers and to analyze the relationship between HRT and swim volume in competitive swimmers.Cross-sectional.Laboratory.Ninety children and adolescents, both genders (30 non-athletes: 11.50 ± 1.94 years; 30 amateur swimmers: 11.56 ± 1.81 years; and 30 competitive swimmers: 12.63 ± 2.02 years).HRT measurement through the bicipital forearm angle (BFA), by palpation, using an inclinometer to obtain the angle.Competitive swimmers showed lower BFA (higher HRT) compared to the amateurs (mean difference: 8.3°; p = 0.013; effect size: 0.82) and to the non-athletes (mean difference: 8.5°; p = 0.010; effect size: 0.80). A significant fair negative relationship (r = −0.37; p = 0.04) was found between BFA and volume of swim.Competitive young swimmers present increased HRT and a higher volume of swim is associated with a lower BFA (higher HRT) in these athletes. These results can help to improve the understanding of osseous adaptations in young swimmers.

Quantifying humeral retrotorsion in young swimmers and association with swim volume

ObjectivesTo compare the humeral retrotorsion (HRT) among non-athletes, amateur swimmers and competitive swimmers and to analyze the relationship between HRT and swim volume in competitive swimmers. DesignCross-sectional. SettingLaboratory. ParticipantsNinety children and adolescents, both genders (30 non-athletes: 11.50 ± 1.94 years; 30 amateur swimmers: 11.56 ± 1.81 years; and 30 competitive swimmers: 12.63 ± 2.02 years). Main outcome measuresHRT measurement through the bicipital forearm angle (BFA), by palpation, using an inclinometer to obtain the angle. ResultsCompetitive swimmers showed lower BFA (higher HRT) compared to the amateurs (mean difference: 8.3°; p = 0.013; effect size: 0.82) and to the non-athletes (mean difference: 8.5°; p = 0.010; effect size: 0.80). A significant fair negative relationship (r = −0.37; p = 0.04) was found between BFA and volume of swim. ConclusionCompetitive young swimmers present increased HRT and a higher volume of swim is associated with a lower BFA (higher HRT) in these athletes. These results can help to improve the understanding of osseous adaptations in young swimmers.