scholarly journals Physiological Responses and Swimming Technique During Upper Limb Critical Stroke Rate Training in Competitive Swimmers

2019 ◽  
Vol 70 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuki Funai ◽  
Masaru Matsunami ◽  
Shoichiro Taba
Keyword(s):  
Perceived Exertion ◽  
Physiological Responses ◽  
Lactate Concentration ◽  
Blood Lactate Concentration ◽  
Swimming Velocity ◽  
Stroke Rate ◽  
Front Crawl ◽  
Stroke Length ◽  
Optimal Intensity ◽  
Competitive Swimmers

Abstract The aim of this study was to examine how arm stroke swimming with critical stroke rate (CSR) control would influence physiological responses and stroke variables in an effort to identify a new swimming training method. Seven well-trained male competitive swimmers (19.9 ± 1.4 years of age) performed maximal 200 and 400 m front crawl swims to determine the CSR and critical swimming velocity (CV), respectively. Thereafter, they were instructed to perform tests with 4 × 400 m swimming bouts at the CSR and CV. The swimming time (CSR test: 278.96 ± 2.70 to 280.87 ± 2.57 s, CV test: 276.17 ± 3.36 to 277.06 ± 3.64 s), heart rate, and rated perceived exertion did not differ significantly between tests for all bouts. Blood lactate concentration after the fourth bout was significantly lower in the CSR test than in the CV test (3.16 ± 1.43 vs. 3.77 ± 1.52 mmol/l, p < 0.05). The stroke rate and stroke length remained stable across bouts in the CSR test, whereas the stroke rate increased with decreased stroke length across bouts in the CV test (p < 0.05). There were significant differences in the stroke rate (39.27 ± 1.22 vs. 41.47 ± 1.22 cycles/min, p < 0.05) and stroke length (2.20 ± 0.07 vs. 2.10 ± 0.04 m/stroke, p < 0.05) between the CSR and CV tests in the fourth bout. These results indicate that the CSR could provide the optimal intensity for improving aerobic capacity during arm stroke swimming, and it may also help stabilize stroke technique.

scholarly journals Verifying Physiological and Biomechanical Parameters during Continuous Swimming at Speed Corresponding to Lactate Threshold

Sports ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (7) ◽  
pp. 95
Author(s):  
Gavriil G. Arsoniadis ◽  
Ioannis S. Nikitakis ◽  
Petros G. Botonis ◽  
Ioannis Malliaros ◽  
Argyris G. Toubekis
Keyword(s):  
Lactate Threshold ◽  
Physiological Responses ◽  
Lactate Concentration ◽  
Blood Lactate Concentration ◽  
Front Crawl ◽  
Stroke Length ◽  
Speed Test ◽  
Biomechanical Responses ◽  
Biomechanical Parameters ◽  
Competitive Swimmers

The purpose of this study was to verify the physiological responses and biomechanical parameters measured during 30 min of continuous swimming (T30) at intensity corresponding to lactate threshold previously calculated by an intermittent progressively increasing speed test (7 × 200 m). Fourteen competitive swimmers (18.0 (2.5) years, 67.5 (8.8) kg, 174.5 (7.7) cm) performed a 7 × 200 m front crawl test. Blood lactate concentration (BL) and oxygen uptake (VO2) were determined after each 200 m repetition, while heart rate (HR), arm-stroke rate (SR), and arm-stroke length (SL) were measured during each 200 m repetition. Using the speed vs. lactate concentration curve, the speed at lactate threshold (sLT) and parameters corresponding to sLT were calculated (BL-sLT, VO2-sLT, HR-sLT, SR-sLT, and SL-sLT). In the following day, a T30 corresponding to sLT was performed and BL-T30, VO2-T30, HR-T30, SR-T30, and SL-T30 were measured after the 10th and 30th minute, and average values were used for comparison. VO2-sLT was no different compared to VO2-T30 (p > 0.05). BL-T30, HR-T30, and SR-T30 were higher, while SL-T30 was lower compared to BL-sLT, HR-sLT, SR-sLT, and SL-sLT (p < 0.05). Continuous swimming at speed corresponding to lactate threshold may not show the same physiological and biomechanical responses as those calculated by a progressively increasing speed test of 7 × 200 m.

scholarly journals Validating Physiological and Biomechanical Parameters during Intermittent Swimming at Speed Corresponding to Lactate Concentration of 4 mmol·L−1

Sports ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 23
Author(s):  
Gavriil G. Arsoniadis ◽  
Ioannis S. Nikitakis ◽  
Petros G. Botonis ◽  
Ioannis Malliaros ◽  
Argyris G. Toubekis
Keyword(s):  
Blood Lactate ◽  
Perceived Exertion ◽  
Lactate Concentration ◽  
Blood Lactate Concentration ◽  
Constant Speed ◽  
Rating Of Perceived Exertion ◽  
Training Set ◽  
Front Crawl ◽  
Stroke Length ◽  
Biomechanical Parameters

Background: Physiological and biomechanical parameters obtained during testing need validation in a training setting. The purpose of this study was to compare parameters calculated by a 5 × 200-m test with those measured during an intermittent swimming training set performed at constant speed corresponding to blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol∙L−1 (V4). Methods: Twelve competitive swimmers performed a 5 × 200-m progressively increasing speed front crawl test. Blood lactate concentration (BL) was measured after each 200 m and V4 was calculated by interpolation. Heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), stroke rate (SR) and stroke length (SL) were determined during each 200 m. Subsequently, BL, HR, SR and SL corresponding to V4 were calculated. A week later, swimmers performed a 5 × 400-m training set at constant speed corresponding to V4 and BL-5×400, HR-5×400, RPE-5×400, SR-5×400, SL-5×400 were measured. Results: BL-5×400 and RPE-5×400 were similar (p > 0.05), while HR-5×400 and SR-5×400 were increased and SL-5×400 was decreased compared to values calculated by the 5 × 200-m test (p < 0.05). Conclusion: An intermittent progressively increasing speed swimming test provides physiological information with large interindividual variability. It seems that swimmers adjust their biomechanical parameters to maintain constant speed in an aerobic endurance training set of 5 × 400-m at intensity corresponding to 4 mmol∙L−1.

scholarly journals Muscle Fatigue When Swimming Intermittently Above and Below Critical Speed

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 602-607 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeanne Dekerle ◽  
James Paterson
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Fatigue ◽  
Critical Speed ◽  
Perceived Exertion ◽  
Recovery Period ◽  
Lactate Concentration ◽  
Blood Lactate Concentration ◽  
Rating Of Perceived Exertion ◽  
Stroke Rate ◽  
Stroke Length ◽  
Isokinetic Testing

Purpose:To examine muscle fatigue of the shoulder internal rotators alongside swimming biomechanics during long-duration submaximal swimming sets performed in 2 different speed domains.Methods:Eight trained swimmers (mean ± SD 20.5 ± 0.9 y, 173 ± 10 cm, 71.3 ± 10.0 kg) raced over 3 distances (200-, 400-, 800-m races) for determination of critical speed (CS; slope of the distance–time relationship). After a familiarization with muscle isokinetic testing, they subsequently randomly performed 2 constant-speed efforts (6 × 5-min blocks, 2.5-min recovery) 5% above (T105) and 5% below CS (T95) with maximal voluntary contractions recorded between swimming blocks.Results:Capillary blood lactate concentration ([La]), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), peak torque, stroke length, and stroke rate were maintained throughout T95 (P < .05). [La], RPE, and stroke rate increased alongside concomitant decreases in maximal torque and stroke length during T105 (P < .05) with incapacity of the swimmers to maintain the pace for longer than ~20 min. For T105, changes in maximal torque (35.0 ± 14.9 to 25.8 ± 12.1 Nm) and stroke length (2.66 ± 0.36 to 2.23 ± 0.24 m/cycle) were significantly correlated (r = .47, P < .05).Conclusion:While both muscle fatigue (shoulder internal rotators) and task failure occur when swimming at a pace greater than CS, the 2.5-min recovery period during the sub-CS set possibly alleviated the development of muscle fatigue for the pace to be sustainable for 6 × 5 min at 95% of CS. A causal relationship between reduction in stroke length and loss of muscle strength should be considered very cautiously in swimming.

scholarly journals Is Swimmers’ Performance Influenced by Wetsuit Use?

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Gay ◽  
Gracia López-Contreras ◽  
Ricardo J. Fernandes ◽  
Raúl Arellano
Keyword(s):  
Blood Lactate ◽  
Perceived Exertion ◽  
Lactate Concentration ◽  
Blood Lactate Concentration ◽  
Swimming Pool ◽  
Rating Of Perceived Exertion ◽  
Stroke Index ◽  
Stroke Rate ◽  
Stroke Length ◽  
Propelling Efficiency

Purpose: To observe changes in performance, physiological, and general kinematic variables induced by the use of wetsuits vs swimsuits in both swimming-pool and swimming-flume conditions. Methods: In a randomized and counterbalanced order, 33 swimmers (26.46 [11.72] y old) performed 2 × 400-m maximal front crawl in a 25-m swimming pool (with wetsuit and swimsuit), and their mean velocities were used later in 2 swimming-flume trials with both suits. Velocity, blood lactate concentration, heart rate (HR), Borg scale (rating of perceived exertion), stroke rate, stroke length (SL), stroke index, and propelling efficiency were evaluated. Results: The 400-m performance in the swimming pool was 0.07 m·s−1 faster when using the wetsuit than when using the swimsuit, evidencing a reduction of ∼6% in time elapsed (P < .001). Maximal HR, maximal blood lactate concentration, rating of perceived exertion, stroke rate, and propelling efficiency were similar when using both swimsuits, but SL and stroke index presented higher values with the wetsuit in both the swimming pool and the swimming flume. Comparing swimming conditions, maximal HR and maximal blood lactate concentration were lower, and SL, stroke index, and propelling efficiency were higher when swimming in the flume than when swimming in the pool with both suits. Conclusions: The 6% velocity improvement was the result of an increase of 4% in SL. Swimmers reduced stroke rate and increased SL to benefit from the hydrodynamic reduction of the wetsuit and increase their swimming efficiency. Wetsuits might be utilized during training seasons to improve adaptations while swimming.

scholarly journals Can an Incremental Step Test Be Used for Maximal Lactate Steady State Determination in Swimming? Clues for Practice

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 477
Author(s):  
Mário C. Espada ◽  
Francisco B. Alves ◽  
Dália Curto ◽  
Cátia C. Ferreira ◽  
Fernando J. Santos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Steady State ◽  
Perceived Exertion ◽  
Lactate Concentration ◽  
Blood Lactate Concentration ◽  
Daily Practice ◽  
Step Test ◽  
Swimming Velocity ◽  
Maximal Lactate Steady State ◽  
Front Crawl ◽  
Incremental Step

We aimed to compare the velocity, physiological responses, and stroke mechanics between the lactate parameters determined in an incremental step test (IST) and maximal lactate steady state (MLSS). Fourteen well-trained male swimmers (16.8 ± 2.8 years) were timed for 400 m and 200 m (T200). Afterwards, a 7 × 200-m front-crawl IST was performed. Swimming velocity, heart rate (HR), blood lactate concentration (BLC), stroke mechanics, and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured throughout the IST and in the 30-min continuous test (CT) bouts for MLSS determination. Swimming velocities at lactate threshold determined with log-log methodology (1.34 ± 0.06 m∙s−1) and Dmax methodology (1.40 ± 0.06 m∙s−1); and also, the velocity at BLC of 4 mmol∙L−1 (1.36 ± 0.07) were not significantly different from MLSSv, however, Bland–Altman analysis showed wide limits of agreement and the concordance correlation coefficient showed poor strength of agreement between the aforementioned parameters which precludes their interchangeable use. Stroke mechanics, HR, RPE, and BLC in MLSSv were not significantly different from the fourth repetition of IST (85% of T200), which by itself can provide useful support to daily practice of well-trained swimmers. Nevertheless, the determination of MLSSv, based on a CT, remains more accurate for exercise evaluation and prescription.

scholarly journals Critical stroke rate as a parameter for evaluation in swimming

2013 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 724-729 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcos Franken ◽  
Fernando Diefenthaeler ◽  
Felipe Collares Moré ◽  
Ricardo Peterson Silveira ◽  
Flávio Antônio de Souza Castro
Keyword(s):  
Aerobic Capacity ◽  
Swimming Speed ◽  
Critical Speed ◽  
Stroke Rate ◽  
Front Crawl ◽  
Stroke Length ◽  
Competitive Swimmers

The purpose of this study was to investigate the critical stroke rate (CSR) compared to the average stroke rate (SR) when swimming at the critical speed (CS). Ten competitive swimmers performed five 200 m trials at different velocities relative to their CS (90, 95, 100, 103 and 105%) in front crawl. The CSR was significantly higher than the SR at 90% of the CS and lower at 105% of the CS. Stroke length (SL) at 103 and 105% of the CS were lower than the SL at 90, 95, and 100% of the CS. The combination of the CS and CSR concepts can be useful for improving both aerobic capacity/power and technique. CS and CSR could be used to reduce the SR and increase the SL, when swimming at the CS pace, or to increase the swimming speed when swimming at the CSR.

Predicting Lactate Threshold With Rate of Perceived Exertion in Young Competitive Male Swimmers

2021 ◽  
pp. 003151252110052
Author(s):  
Jhonny K. F. da Silva ◽  
Bruna B. Sotomaior ◽  
Carolina F. Carneiro ◽  
Patrick Rodrigues ◽  
Lee Wharton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lactate Threshold ◽  
Perceived Exertion ◽  
Lactate Concentration ◽  
Blood Lactate Concentration ◽  
Test Protocol ◽  
Male Athletes ◽  
Rate Of Perceived Exertion ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Maximal Deviation ◽  
Competitive Swimmers

The purpose of this study was to verify the effectiveness of the rate of perceived exertion threshold (RPET) for predicting young competitive swimmers’ lactate threshold (LT) during incremental testing. We enrolled 13 male athletes ( M age = 16, SD = 0.6 years) in an incremental test protocol consisting of eight repetitions of a 100-meter crawl with 2-minute intervals between each repetition. We collected data for blood lactate concentration ([La]) and Borg scale rate of perceived exertion (RPE) at the end of each repetition. The results obtained were: M RPET = 4.98, SD = 1.12 arbitrary units (A.U.) and M lactate threshold = 4.24, SD = 1.12 mmol.L−1, with [La] and RPE identified by the maximal deviation (Dmax) method without a significant difference ( p > 0.05) and large correlations between DmaxLa and DmaxRPE at variables for time (r = 0.64), velocity (r = 0.67) and percentage of personal best time (PB) (r = 0.60). These results suggest that RPET is a good predictor of LT in young competitive swimmers.

scholarly journals Validating Physiological and Biomechanical Parameters During Intermittent Swimming at Speed Corresponding to Lactate Concentration of 4 mmol/L

Proceedings ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 15
Author(s):  
Arsoniadis ◽  
Nikitakis ◽  
Botonis ◽  
Malliaros ◽  
Toubekis
Keyword(s):  
Blood Lactate ◽  
Lactate Concentration ◽  
Blood Lactate Concentration ◽  
Constant Speed ◽  
Maximum Speed ◽  
Swimming Training ◽  
Training Set ◽  
Front Crawl ◽  
Stroke Length ◽  
Biomechanical Parameters

AIM: progressively increasing swimming speed test (5 × 200 m) is used to calculate the speed corresponding to blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol/L (V4) and related physiological and biomechanical parameters. The purpose of this study was to compare the calculated by a 5 × 200-m test parameters with those obtained during an intermittent swimming training set (5 × 400-m) performed at constant speed corresponding to V4. MATERIAL & METHOD: Twelve competitive male swimmers (age, 19 ± 2 years; height, 178 ± 8 cm; body mass, 74.4 ± 10.1 kg) performed a 5 × 200-m front crawl test reaching maximum speed in the last effort. Blood lactate concentration (BL) was measured after each 200 m, and heart rate (HR), stroke rate (SR), and stroke length (SL) were determined during each 200 m. V4 was calculated by interpolation using the individual speed vs. BL, and subsequently HR, SR, SL corresponding to V4 were calculated (HR-V4, SR-V4, SL-V4). One week later, swimmers performed 5 × 400-m at constant speed corresponding to V4. During the 5 × 400-m test, BL (BL-5 × 400) was measured after the 1st, 3rd and 5th repetitions, while HR (HR-5 × 400) was recorded continuously. SR and SL were measured in each 400-m repetition, and mean values were calculated (SR-5 × 400 and SL-5 × 400). RESULTS: V4 and HR-V4 were not different from speed and HR-5 × 400 during the 5 × 400-m test (1.30 ± 0.10 vs. 1.29 ± 0.10 m/s; 160 ± 14 vs. 166 ± 13 b/min, both p > 0.05). BL-5 × 400 was not different from 4 mmol/L (4.9 ± 2.6 mmol/L, p > 0.05). SR was increased and SL was decreased during 5 × 400 m compared to the values corresponding to V4 (SR-V4, 28.9 ± 3.8 vs. SR-5 × 400, 34.5 ± 3.4 strokes/min; SL-V4, 2.38 ± 0.33 vs. SL-5 × 400, 2.25 ± 0.30 m/cycle, both p < 0.05). A Bland-and-Altman plot indicated agreement between variables obtained by the 5 × 200-m and 5 × 400-m tests but with great range of variation (bias: BL, −1.0 ± 2.6 mmol/L; HR, −7 ± 12 b/min; SR, −5.6 ± 3.3 strokes/min; SL, 0.13 ± 0.09 m/cycle). CONCLUSIONS: An intermittent, with progressively increasing speed, swimming test provides physiological information to coaches to apply during an intermittent constant-speed swimming training set at intensity corresponding to BL of 4 mmol/L with large inter-individual variability. It seems that the 5 × 200-m test does not provide valid results for the biomechanical parameters.

scholarly journals Physiological and Biomechanical Evaluation of a Training Macrocycle in Children Swimmers

Sports ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 57
Author(s):  
Sara Ferreira ◽  
Diogo Carvalho ◽  
Ana Monteiro ◽  
J. Abraldes ◽  
J. Vilas-Boas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physiological Responses ◽  
Maximum Intensity ◽  
Stroke Index ◽  
Stroke Rate ◽  
Physiological Changes ◽  
Front Crawl ◽  
Stroke Length ◽  
Performance Change ◽  
Biomechanical Evaluation ◽  
Performance Gains

Physiological responses related to 400-m front crawl performance were examined in a 11-week training macrocycle in children 11.6 ± 1.2 years old. Fourteen girls and twenty-nine boys completed a maximum intensity 400-m test, at the beginning (Τ1) and at the end of four weeks of general preparation (Τ2), four weeks of specific preparation (Τ3), and three weeks of the competitive period (Τ4). Blood lactate (La), blood glucose (Glu) and heart rate were measured post effort. Stroke rate (SR), stroke length (SL) and stroke index (SI) were measured during the test. The 400-m time was decreased at T2, T3, and T4 compared to T1 by 4.2 ± 4.9, 7.5 ± 7.0, and 8.6 ± 7.3% (p < 0.05) and at T3 and T4 compared to T2 by 3.1 ± 4.3 and 4.2 ± 4.6%, respectively (p < 0.05). La was not different between tests (p > 0.05) and Glu was decreased at T3 compared to other testing moments (p < 0.05). SR, SL, and SI were higher at T3 and T4 compared to T1 (p < 0.05). SL and SI were also increased at T4 compared to T2 (p < 0.05). Performance changes from T1 to T2 were related to SL and SI changes (r = 0.45 and 0.83, p < 0.05), and subsequent changes between T2 to T3 were related to SR, SI, La, and Glu changes (r = 0.48, 0.68, 0.34, and 0.42, p < 0.05). Performance change from T3 to T4 was related to SL, SI, and La modifications (r = 0.34, 0.70, and 0.53, p < 0.05). Performance gains may be related to various biomechanical or physiological changes according to training macrocycle structure.

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