Open Water Swimming Research Articles

Thermoregulatory Responses, Athlete Preparation And Knowledge Of Elite Open Water Swimming Competition In Divergent Environments.

Thermoregulatory Responses, Athlete Preparation And Knowledge Of Elite Open Water Swimming Competition In Divergent Environments.

Clinical and Epidemiological Characteristics of Leptospirosis in the Gomel Region

Relevance. Leptospirosis is a zoonotic ubiquitous natural focal infectious disease that has an adverse effect on human and pet health. The territory of the Republic of Belarus in terms of its natural-climatic and soil-geographical conditions is favorable for the existence of both natural and anthropurgical foci of leptospirosis. The purpose of the work is to study the long-term dynamics of the incidence of leptospirosis in the population of the Gomel region and the clinical and epidemiological features of leptospirosis. Materials and methods. The material for the study was the data of the state statistical reporting «Report on individual infectious, parasitic diseases and their carriers» for the period from 2002 to 2022. In this work, epidemiological diagnostic methods and statistical research methods were used. Descriptive retrospective continuous study of these case histories of patients diagnosed with Leptospirosis of the Gomel Regional Infectious Diseases Clinical Hospital institution was conducted to describe clinical data. Results. In the period from 2002 to 2022, 161 cases of leptospirosis were registered in the Gomel region with an average incidence rate of 0.52 per 100 thousand population. Over this period of time, the incidence of leptospirosis was characterized by an uneven distribution and was undulating. Periods with a low incidence of 0.14–0.42 cases per 100 thousand population lasting 5-6 years alternated with periods of rising incidence to 0.99 cases per 100 thousand population lasting 3 years. In 2022, a sharp rise in the incidence of leptospirosis in the Gomel region was registered, and therefore 15.8 times higher than the incidence in 2021, the incidence rate was 1.11 per 100 thousand of the population and exceeded the national average by 4.6 times. Adults predominated among the sick (93.3%). At the same time, 73.0% of the patients were urban residents. The source of infection in 81.2% of cases were rodents, in 7.52% of cases domestic animals. In 7.52% of cases, the disease appeared as a result of professional activity, only in 3.76% of cases the disease occurred after swimming in open water. Thus, the main route of transmission of leptospirosis at present is contact (88.72%), alimentary and water are less important, respectively 7.52% and 3.76%. Results of serological examination for leptospirosis by RMA showed that 5 serogroups of leptospir circulate among rodents: L. Pomona and L. Canicola, L. Grippotyphosa, L. Icterohaemorrhagiae, L. A. Ustralis. 36.4% of the samples showed a positive result at the same time to several serogroups. L. Grippotyphosa, L. Cterohaemorrhagiae and L. Pomona were detected more often, in total, these pathogens accounted for 46.5% of positive samples. The results of the survey of farm animals showed that 60.6% of the sera studied had positive results of RMA with leptospirs of several serogroups. L. Sejroe was also isolated – in 12.3% of samples, L. Hebdomad – in 1.3% of samples, L. Icterohaemorrhagiae – in 1.2%, L. Pomona – in 0.3%, others – 24.2%. In the period from 2002 to 2021, the following serogroups were isolated in patients with leptospirosis: L. Grippotyphosa – 36%, L. Pomona and L. Canicola – 16%, L. Australi – 13%, L. Wolffi – 9%, L. Icterohaemorrhagiae – 7% and L. Tarassovi – 3%. In 2022, there is a change in the polytypage of leptospir: L. Icterohaemorrhagiae (6.7%), L. Tarassovi (6.7%), L. Wolffi (6.7%), L. Pomona (13.3), L. Astralis (13.3), L. Canicola (6.7%), 6.7% – L. Sejroe, L. Grippotyphosa Moskva – 40%. For the period from 2005 to 2022, 49 people diagnosed with leptospirosis were treated at the Gomel Regional Infectious Diseases Hospital, of which men accounted for 69%, the average age of patients was 34.5 ± 3.8 years. Most patients are hospitalized on day 6 [4 – 8] of illness. All patients complained of fever, 86% of patients had muscle pain, headaches were recorded in 56.0%, yellowing of the skin and sclera – 34.0%, abdominal pain – 38%, 25% of patients reported nausea, vomiting, diarrhea syndrome. 28.6% of patients had an icteric form of leptospirosis, Weil's syndrome was diagnosed in 9.3% of patients, hemorrhagic syndrome was observed in 18.7% of patients. All patients had laboratory confirmation of the diagnosis. The duration of hospitalization was 15 [9 – 23] days. 1 case of the disease ended with a detailed outcome for the entire observation period. Conclusion. The incidence of leptospirosis in the Gomel region is undulating and is characterized by a change in periods of rising incidence lasting up to 3 years with periods of low incidence lasting up to 5 years. The results of the study suggest that the emergence and spread of the leptospira serotype in the territory led to a new increase in the incidence. Thus, continuous qualitative monitoring of leptospira serotypes among the population of sources of infection should be carried out.

Hyperthermia and Exertional Heatstroke During Running, Cycling, Open Water Swimming, and Triathlon Events.

Few previous epidemiological studies, sports medicine position statements, and expert panel consensus reports have evaluated the similarities and differences of hyperthermia and exertional heatstroke (EHS) during endurance running, cycling, open water swimming, and triathlon competitions. Accordingly, we conducted manual online searches of the PubMed and Google Scholar databases using pre-defined inclusion criteria. The initial manual screenings of 1192 article titles and abstracts, and subsequent reviews of full-length pdf versions identified 80 articles that were acceptable for inclusion. These articles indicated that event medical teams recognized hyperthermia and EHS in the majority of running and triathlon field studies (range, 58.8 to 85.7%), whereas few reports of hyperthermia and EHS appeared in cycling and open water swimming field studies (range, 0 to 20%). Sports medicine position statements and consensus reports also exhibited these event-specific differences. Thus, we proposed mechanisms that involved physiological effector responses (sweating, increased skin blood flow) and biophysical heat transfer to the environment (evaporation, convection, radiation, and conduction). We anticipate that the above information will help race directors to distribute pre-race safety advice to athletes and will assist medical directors to better allocate medical resources (eg, staff number and skill sets, medical equipment) and optimize the management of hyperthermia and EHS.

Inexperienced water users can “Float to Live” in realistic open water conditions

BackgroundThe RNLI “Float to Live” campaign is based on research conducted in indoor pools with experienced open water swimmers. Study 1 investigated whether the RNLI “Float to Live” guidance would enable less experienced individuals to float in realistic open water conditions. Study 2 examined the separate effects of practice and coaching on floating competence.MethodsStudy 1: Inexperienced water users conducted floats in either still, open fresh (n = 22) or open sea water (n = 13), followed by moving sea (n = 6) or fresh water (n = 5). Participants undertook three 2-min floats in still water wearing swimwear and one clothed float: 1) naïve; 2) following RNLI “Float to live” messaging; 3) individual float coaching; 4) simulated fall wearing summer clothing. In moving sea water, participants undertook two floats equivalent to Floats 3 and 4. In moving fresh water, participants undertook 3 floats: 1) naïve; 2) following “defensive floating” coaching; 3) simulated fall wearing summer clothing. Study 2: Two groups matched for skinfold thickness undertook three 2-min floats in a flume wearing swimwear. PRAC group (n = 12): 1) naïve; 2) following float practice; 3) float coaching; COACH group (n = 11) coaching followed by practice. Floating difficulty, confidence, competence, “efficiency” and perceived exertion were analysed using either a Friedman test or mixed model ANOVA.ResultsIn both fresh water and sea water, participants’ floating competence and confidence increased after viewing the RNLI messaging, it was further improved with individualised float coaching. The additional helpful instructions included: 1) “head back with ears submerged”; 2) “relax”; 3) “breathe normally”; 4) “it is OK if your legs sink”; 5) an accurate description of sculling for “active” floaters that needed it; 6) spread arms and legs for stability. The simulated fall with clothing did not impair floating competence. No difference in floating competence was seen between PRAC and COACH, though confidence may be increased sooner in COACH.ConclusionsThe RNLI float advice can be applied in realistic open water settings by less experienced water users. Additional content could be included to make the messaging even more effective.

Swimming Performance in Elite Triathletes: Comparison Between Open Water and Pool Conditions.

This study aimed to compare performance, kinematic, and physiological variables between open water and pool swimming conditions in elite triathletes and to examine the associations between conditions on these variables. Fourteen elite triathletes (10 males and 4 females [23.4 ± 3.8 years]) performed two 1500-m swimming tests in open water and in a 25-m pool. Swimming speed, stroke rate (SR), length (SL) and index (SI), heart rate (HR), blood lactate concentrations [La-], and end-exercise oxygen uptake (EEV̇O2) were assessed in both conditions. Lower SL and SI and higher SR were obtained in open water compared with pool swimming (p < 0.05). Moreover, kinematic variables changed as a function of distance in both conditions (p < 0.05). No differences were found in the main physiological variables (HR, [La-], and EEV̇O2) between conditions. Respiratory exchange ratio presented lower values in open water than in pool conditions (p < 0.05), while time constant was higher in open water (p = 0.032). The fastest triathletes in open water obtained the best performance in the pool (r = 0.958; p < 0.001). All kinematic variables, HR and peak [La-] presented positive associations between conditions (r > 0.6; p < 0.05). Despite physiological invariance, triathletes and coaches should monitor specific open water training to adapt their swimming technique to the competitive environment.

Emergency Medical Planning for an Ultramarathon Open Water Swim: A Case Review of "Swim Tuff".

Ultramarathon open water swimming (OWS) events are one of the toughest endurance challenges in the world. The sport has gained notoriety with athletes swimming across the English Channel, Diana Nyad swimming from Cuba to Florida, and the 5- and 10-km OWS in the Olympic schedule. The athletes who participate are exposed to dangerous conditions that expose risks inherent to the sport. The optimal time to prepare for an emergency is before it happens. The aim of this paper is to present an emergency action plan (EAP) designed for the "Swim Tuff" event, a record-breaking ultramarathon swim that took place in Rhode Island, United States. This article identifies an overview of Swim Tuff, the challenges experienced, and how the team designed and implemented risk mitigation strategies. The professionals looking over athletes completing an OWS should be educated and aware of the unique circumstances inherent to the sport.

KOMPOSISI HASIL TANGKAPAN GILLNET MILENIUM BERDASARKAN PERBEDAAN KEDALAMAN SETTING DIPERAIRAN PULAU AMBON

The natural dynamics of the distribution of fish resources in marine waters are not uniform. This will have implications for optimizing the utilization of fish resources using various fishing gear in a fishing area. Fishing using millennium gillnets is generally not done by many fishermen on Ambon Island. The research aimed to determine the composition and influence of differences in millennium gillnet depth on catch results. This research method is a fishing experiment using 3 units of 3.5-inch millennium gillnets of uniform size which are set on the bottom of the water at treatment depths, namely 0-20 meters, 21-40 meters and &gt; 40 meters. Simultaneous capture operations in the afternoon for 8 capture attempts. During the research, the catch was 364 fish weighing 209 kg. 6 types of fish were identified, namely Kuwe (Caranx sexfasciatus), yellow-tailed Lalosi (Caesio cunning), sand porter (Naso thynnoides), Samandar (Siganus sp), and grouper (Epinephelus merra), and mackerel (Scomberomorus gullatus). This type of fish is usually found swimming in open water or near the sea surface. The highest number of catches was the Kuwe fish species, 135 fish (37.09%) weighing 56.4 kg (26.99%), the lowest was the Tenggiri fish species (Scomberomorus gullatus), 5 fish (1.37%) weighing 5.1 kg (2, 44%). The highest catch was in the 21-40 m depth range, namely 162 fish and 94.7 kg, followed by more than 41 m, namely 103 fish and 57 kg, and the lowest in the 0-20 m depth range, namely 99 fish and 57.3 kg. The chance of catching fish occurs at all net-setting depths, but the highest chance occurs at 21-40 m. The results of the analysis showed that neither the overall catch nor the dominant fish species showed significant differences based on differences in depth.

Exploring strategic multi-leveraging of sport tourism events: An action-research study

Strategic planning of sport events should promote the maximisation of local communities' benefits. Among other dimensions of interest to the host destination's stakeholders, given the aim of sustainable development, sport events leveraging must integrate economic, social and environmental perspectives, justifying its multidimensional extensiveness. The general objective of this study was to stimulate and understand the process of planning and implementing strategic multi-leverage of international open water swimming events hosted in Portugal, in 2022, addressing the economic, social, environmental, partners and sport dimensions.This study employed a case study approach within an action-research methodology. The research design covered three action-research stages: planning, implementation and analysis. The data collection combined nominal group sessions, field observation, document analysis and interviews. The qualitative analysis used the triangulation of the data collected, and the content analysis was performed using the NVivo software.Actions were strategically planned targeting economic, social, environmental, partners, and sport dimensions, albeit with a prominent focus on economic and sport leverage. Excluding sport, the implementation of strategic actions ensured all dimensions' operationalisation. Six constraints (e.g. little adherence from local partners) and three drivers (e.g. commitment and authority of the leverage coordinating team) conditioned the strategic leverage implementation. The strategic planning of future sport events should outline actions that intensify the destination’s image, focusing the attention of stakeholders on valuing the natural attributes. This study strengthened knowledge about the multi-leverage approach applied to two sport events, reinforcing the need to implement cross-leveraging among the aforementioned dimensions to enhance the success of strategic leverage.

From a dark place to a blue space: open water swimming transformed our lives

This study focused upon two individuals who used open water swimming (OWS) as a therapeutic means of recovery from a significant period of acute mental ill-health, in which both had attempted suicide. A case study approach was utilised to explore the participant’s backstories, mental ill-health, and subsequent recovery. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in the field where each individual typically participates in OWS. In addition, the field researcher kept reflexive notes on his interaction with each swimmer. Both case study profiles−with very different causal factors that led to attempted suicide - are detailed and parallels drawn between the individuals’ experiences of mental health recovery and the role of OWS within this. Whilst findings are not generalisable, they provide important insight into the potential therapeutic role of OWS in alleviating the impact of acute mental ill-health in relation to suicide and how OWS facilitated a more positive future for individuals. The study also explores how and why such enhancements to mental health might occur.

Open Water Swimming in Elite Triathletes: Physiological and Biomechanical Determinants.

This study aimed (i) to analyze the 1500 m open water swimming performance, (ii) to examine the associations between physiological and biomechanical variables with swimming performance, and (iii) to determine which variables can predict swimming performance in triathletes. Fourteen elite triathletes (23.4±3.8 y) performed a 1500 m test in open water swimming conditions. Swimming performance was assessed using World Aquatics Points Scoring, and data were obtained from the 1500 m open water swimming test. Heart rate, end-exercise oxygen uptake (EE˙VO2) and blood lactate concentrations were measured. The initial 250 m of the 1500 m swimming test presented the highest values of biomechanical variables in males (i. e. swimming speed, stroke rate (SR), length (SL), index (SI)). A decrease in SL was observed in the last 250 m in both sexes. Positive association were found between EE˙VO2 (r=0.513; p=0.030), swimming speed (r=0.873; p<0.001) and SI (r=0.704; p=0.002) with swimming performance. In contrast, time constant of the oxygen uptake (r=-0.500; p=0.034) and buoy-turn times (r=-0.525; p=0.027) were negatively associated with performance. SI was the main predictor (R 2=0.495) of open water swimming performance in triathletes. In conclusion, triathletes and coaches must conduct open water training sessions to maximize SI (i. e. swimming efficiency).

Effect of Wetsuit Use on Body Temperature and Swimming Performance During Training in the Pool: Recommendations for Open-Water Swimming Training With Wetsuits.

Open-water swimmers need to train with wetsuits to get familiar with them; however, body core temperature (Tcore) kinetics when using wetsuits in swimming-pool training remains unclear. The present study assessed the effects of wetsuit use in pool training on Tcore, subjective perceptions, and swimming performance to obtain suggestions for wearing wetsuits in training situations. Four elite/international-level Japanese swimmers (2 female, age 24 [1]y) completed two 10-km trials with (WS) and without wetsuit (SS) in the swimming pool (Tw: 29.0 °C). During the trial, swimmers were allowed to remove their wetsuit if they could no longer tolerate the heat. Tcore was continuously recorded via ingestible temperature sensors. Swimming speed was estimated from every 100-m lap time. Tcore increased by distance in both trials in all swimmers. Tcore when swimmers removed their wetsuit in the WS (distance: 3800 [245]m, time: 2744 [247]s) was higher than that at the same distance in the SS in all swimmers. Rating of perceived exertion was higher in the SS than the WS, and swimming speed was slower in the WS than the SS in all swimmers. Wetsuit use during pool training increases Tcore and decreases swimming performance. Although wearing wetsuits in training situations is important for familiarization, for the safety of the swimmers, it is recommended that they remove their wetsuit if they feel too hot.

‘You Have To Respect The Water’: Participant Experiences of Appreciating and Managing the Risks Associated with Open Water Swimming – A Rapid Ethnographic Study

Open water swimming (OWS) has rapidly grown in popularity, driven by the purported health benefits of cold-water immersion. A paucity of research remains specifically considering the notable risks inherent in OWS participation, and a lack of qualitative research on freshwater swimming experiences, and safety-related issues therein. This rapid ethnographic study, based at a dedicated OWS lake in the UK, conducted semi-structured interviews with OWS participants (n=17; female=11, male=6). Two core themes emerged: environmental issues impacting OWS experiences and behaviours; and knowledge and education of OWS which highlighted safe/unsafe practices, levels of education for managing risks, personal preparedness, swimming solo/with others, use/non-use of specialised equipment, anxieties relating to participation, and environmental conditions. Findings suggest a lack of safe practice persists pertaining to immersion in cold water environments. Specific strategies are suggested that organisations involved with the promotion of the sport should consider to promote safer and more enjoyable OWS experiences.

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.

Thermal Sensation After the 10-km Open-Water Swimming in Cool Water Depends on the Skin's Thermal Sensitivity Rather Than Core Temperature.

To assess the core temperature fluctuations during 10-km open-water swimming (OWS) in cool water and the relationship between thermal sensation (TS) after 10-km OWS, core temperature, and local skin thermal sensitivity. Nine highly trained OWS swimmers (4 female; age 22 [3]y) completed a single 10-km trial in cool water (22.3°C) wearing swimsuitsfor OWS. During the trial, core temperature was continuously recorded via ingestible temperature sensors, and TS after trial was also measured. Then, local skin warm/cool sensitivity was measured in the forearm. All swimmers completed the 10-km OWS. Mean swimming speed for males and females were 1.39 (1.37-1.42m/s) and 1.33m/s (1.29-1.38m/s), respectively. Core temperature increased in 8 out of 9 swimmers during 10-km OWS (P = .047), with an average increase of 0.8°C. TS after 10-km OWS varied among swimmers. There were no correlations between post-OWS TS and post-OWS core temperature (P = .9333), whereas there was a negative correlation between post-OWS TS and local skin cool sensitivity (P = .0056). These results suggest that core temperature in elite swimmers might not decrease during 10-km OWS in the cool water temperature of official OWS. In addition, individual differences in TS after 10-km OWS may be related to skin cool sensitivity rather than core temperature.

Core-Temperature Responses at the 3-km World Aquatics Open-Water Swimming Masters Championships in Doha 2024.

This study aimed to characterize core-temperature (Tc) responses of swimmers competing at the 2024 3-km World Aquatics Masters Open Water Swimming Championships. Within a cross-sectional observational study design, swimmers (n = 48 [23 male, 25 female]) ingested a telemetric Tc pill 4 hours before their race. Water temperatures were 20.9°C (male; mean wet-bulb-globe temperature 25.9°C) and 20.5°C (female; mean wet-bulb-globe temperature: 25.4°C). Linear mixed models determined differences between males and females for race-start, mean in-race, and peak Tc. Random coefficient models determined relationships between (1) sex, race time, body mass index (BMI), body-mass change or age, and Tc peak; (2) sex, race time, BMI, body-mass change or age, and Tc nadir; (3) sex, Tc peak, BMI, body-mass change or age, and race time, and (4) sex, Tc peak, BMI, body-mass change, or age and race ranking. The mean in-race Tc was 37.8°C (36.1-38.8°C); however, there were highly variable individual Tc responses (-3.1 to +2.7°C). One swimmer experienced mild hypothermia (Tc ≤ 35.0°C), and 5 exceeded 39.0°C, a risk factor for heat-related illness. There were no statistical differences between males and females for race-start, mean, and peak Tc (P ≥ .243). Higher peak Tc was associated with faster race time (P = .05), higher race rank (P = .027), and higher BMI (P = .001). Highly variable Tc responses (-3.1 to +2.7°C) were observed, demonstrating that organizers of mass-participation open-water swimming events should always be prepared for, and provide facilities to treat, swimmers experiencing cold-/heat-related health incidents during competition.

Can Event Service Quality Predict Memorable Tourism Experience in The Context of A Participatory Recurring Sport Event? The Case of Oceanman International

This study contributes to the literature on memorable tourism experience in the context of a recurring franchised participatory sport event. It tests the influence of event quality factors (Shonk &amp; Chelladurai, 2008) on the dimensions of the memorable tourism experience (MTE) model and word-of-mouth communications, in a case study of the Oceanman open water swimming series. Empirical data were collected from swimmers, across ten events in different countries, with a total sample of eight hundred and seventy-eight. The analysis showed that MTEs significantly predicted word-of-mouth communications supporting our hypothesis that service quality is one of MTE antecedents. Six of the seven MTE dimensions were significantly predicted by the four service quality dimensions, with the hedonic and local culture having had the highest predictions. The study has theoretical value for further modelling participants’ decision-making for repeated behaviour and applied value for identifying critical event attributes which should be properly planned.

The effects of race and probiotic supplementation on the intestinal microbiota of 10-km open-water swimmers

This study collected the stools of 10-km open-water swimmers after race and probiotic supplementation, and 16S rRNA sequencing and metabolomic analysis were performed to clarify their intestinal microbiota characteristics. The findings revealed a relatively high proportion of Firmicutes in all the athletes. Firmicutes in female athletes were significantly higher after probiotic supplementation. The intestinal microbiota of athletes was closely associated with the pathways of exercise against cancer, exercise against aging, exercise for improving cognition, sphingolipid metabolism and endocrine resistance. Future research should focus on the relationship between Firmicutes and Proteobacteria with super class metabolites in athletes. This report initially explored the changes in intestinal microbiota involved in metabolic pathways in athletes after race and after probiotic supplementation and provided a theoretical basis for the further improvement of the monitoring of their physical function after race and selection of nutritional strategies during exercise training.

Hemoglobin Mass and Blood Volume in Swimming: A Comparison Between Highly Trained, Elite, and World-Class Swimmers.

Total hemoglobin mass (tHbmass) and blood volume (BV) are important determinants of maximal oxygen uptake and endurance capacity. Higher-caliber endurance athletes usually possess higher tHbmass and BV values. This study aimed to compare tHbmass and BV among swimmers of diverse competitive calibers and distances. Thirty swimmers (16 female and 14 male) participated in the study: 3 were tier 5, world class (869 [59] FINA points); 15 were tier 4, elite/international (853 [38] points); and 12 were tier 3, highly trained/national (808 [35] points). They specialized in competition distances ranging from 200m to open-water 10km. Between February 2019 and February 2020, all swimmers had their tHbmass and BV measured by carbon monoxide rebreathing 1 to 6 times and participated in multiple competitions and race events. Relative tHbmass and BV were not different (P > .05) between tiers among women or among men (pooled tHbmass values 14.5 [0.5], 12.5 [1.5], 12.6 [2.3]g/kg for tier 5, tier 4, and tier 3, respectively). No differences were observed in relative tHbmass (P = .215) and BV (P = .458) between pool and open-water swimmers or between 200-, 400-, and 1500-m specialists (P > .05). No significant correlations were found between the highest measured absolute or relative tHbmass and BV and the highest FINA points scored over the follow-up period (R = -.42-.17, P = .256-.833), irrespective of competition distance. tHbmass and BV values did not differ between swimmers of different calibers or among competition distances. Furthermore, these values did not correlate with FINA points, either in males or in females. The present results indicate that hematological characteristics may have a lesser impact on swimming performance than on land-based endurance sports.

Hydrodynamic Flow Characteristics of a Recirculating Pool: Examining the Ecological Validity for Training and Testing.

Krajewski, KT, Beethe, AZ, Dever, DE, Johnson, CD, Nindl, BC, Lovalekar, MT, Flanagan, SD, and Connaboy, C. Hydrodynamic flow characteristics of a recirculating pool: examining the ecological validity for training and testing. J Strength Cond Res 37(10): 2023-2031, 2023-Recirculating swimming flumes (RSFs) with elliptical multifeature designs have grown in popularity due to their multifunctionality for rehabilitation and training. Because of their smaller footprint, laboratories have adopted their use to investigate swimming and underwater treadmill running. However, little is known about the hydrodynamic characteristics of these RSFs and how they might influence outcomes. The purpose was to determine hydrodynamic flow characteristics of an RSF at the manufacturers' set "speeds" around the centroid of flow projection. Hydrodynamic velocity profiles were collected through a 3D profiling velocimeter, sampling at 200 Hz in an RSF. Data were collected 0.5 and 1.5 m from the projection channel at designated flume "speeds" of 30-95 (+99) in 5-unit increments. Velocity data were collected for 1 minute per trial (location × speed) to determine mean flow velocity (MFV) for 10, 20, 30, and 40 cm2 cross-sectional areas (CSAs). A two-way ANOVA was conducted comparing CSAs from the surface by distance from the current channel (4 × 2). Separate ANOVAs were conducted to assess differences in MFV across each CSA. Significant differences between flow CSAs indicated that MFV is less for a larger area at the same speed, indicative of variable and turbulent flow characteristics across the respective CSAs. Mean flow velocity was further diminished by distance from the flow channel as supported by the main effect, thus exposing an individual to variant flow velocities simultaneously. Limited stability of the flow velocity centroid could affect swim mechanics making the movement pattern no longer analogous to traditional pool and open water swimming, rather resembling swimming upstream in a river with turbulent flow.

Analysis of Hidden Danger in Open Water Swimming Competition

Open-water swimming is an exercise that can enhance the athlete's physical fitness. Even though different swimmers enjoy swimming in open water competitions, there are still safety consequences with this competition, and people must plan this hidden danger before the event. Athletes swim in open-water swimming competitions in lakes, rivers, and oceans. The difference between open-water swimming and traditional swimming in swimming causes much more uncertainty. This essay will take place on all the potential threats in an open-water swimming event. The essay will be analyzing in different aspects of the open water competition. First is the natural landscape, temperature, water quality, and water flow. All of these will affect the athlete's performance. Second, the emergency that can happen to the athletes. For example, body issues, cramps, or low body temperature. Third, the athlete's body condition, some of the athletes might have some body issues that do not fit this event, which will cause some additional problems for the hosts of the swimming event. Fourth, the ethics issues in the sporting event. With a sport that includes a big group of people attending it, there will be some unethical moves to get a higher rank.