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.

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.

Front Crawl Technical Characterization of 11- to 13-Year-Old Swimmers

2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 409-419 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Silva ◽  
Pedro Figueiredo ◽  
Susana Soares ◽  
Ludovic Seifert ◽  
João Paulo Vilas-Boas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Total Sample ◽  
Stroke Index ◽  
Stroke Rate ◽  
Front Crawl ◽  
Stroke Length ◽  
Underwater Cameras ◽  
Elite Swimmers ◽  
Biomechanical Parameters ◽  
Catch Up

Our aim was to characterize front crawl swimming performed at very high intensity by young practitioners. 114 swimmers 11–13 years old performed 25 m front crawl swimming at 50 m pace. Two underwater cameras was used to assess general biomechanical parameters (velocity, stroke rate, stroke length and stroke index) and interarm coordination (Index of Coordination), being also identified each front crawl stroke phase. Swimmers presented lower values in all biomechanical parameters than data presented in studies conducted with older swimmers, having the postpubertal group closest values to adult literature due to their superior anthropometric and maturational characteristics. Boys showed higher velocity and stroke index than girls (as reported for elite swimmers), but higher stroke rate than girls (in opposition to what is described for adults). In addition, when considering the total sample, a higher relationship was observed between velocity and stroke length (than with stroke rate), indicating that improving stroke length is a fundamental skill to develop in these ages. Furthermore, only catch-up coordination mode was adopted (being evident a lag time between propulsion of the arms), and the catch and the pull phases presented the highest and smallest durations, respectively.

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.

Stroking Characteristics of Front Crawl Swimming during Exercise

1993 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 219-226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kari L. Keskinen ◽  
Paavo V. Komi
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Design ◽  
Blood Lactate ◽  
Lactate Threshold ◽  
Neural Activation ◽  
Stroke Rate ◽  
Front Crawl ◽  
Mean Velocity ◽  
Stroke Length ◽  
Stroke Cycle

The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in the relationships among the stroking characteristics between different phases of swimming exercises, and to determine whether these relationships would change in relation to enhanced swimming intensity. The experimental design consisted of the measurement of mean velocity (V), stroke rate (SR), stroke length (SL), and duration of different phases of a stroke cycle for each pool length in five to six 400-m swims and two 100-m swims. The results showed that the basic relationships among the stroke parameters during the test exercises were almost similar to those observed in competition. However, the relationships changed with enhanced swimming intensity. It is suggested that the degree of anaerobic lactacid metabolism may determine the characteristics of stroking while swimming. The reduction of SL above the lactate threshold would be connected to the accumulation of blood lactate, whereas SR would primarily be determined by the ability to maintain adequate neural activation.

Individualizing Training in Swimming: Evidence for Utilizing the Critical Speed and Critical Stroke Rate Concepts

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 617-624
Author(s):  
Eva Piatrikova ◽  
Nicholas J. Willsmer ◽  
Ana C. Sousa ◽  
Javier T. Gonzalez ◽  
Sean Williams
Keyword(s):  
Critical Speed ◽  
Interval Training ◽  
Stroke Index ◽  
Stroke Rate ◽  
Training Volume ◽  
High Intensity Interval Training ◽  
Stroke Length ◽  
And Performance ◽  
High Intensity Interval ◽  
Peak Speed

Purpose: To monitor physiological, technical, and performance responses to individualized high-intensity interval training (HIIT) prescribed using the critical speed (CS) and critical stroke rate (CSR) concepts in swimmers completing a reduced training volume program (≤30 km·wk−1) for 15 weeks. Methods: Over the 15-week period, 12 highly trained swimmers (age 16 [1] y, height 179 [8] cm, weight 66 [8] kg) completed four 3-minute all-out tests to determine CS and the finite capacity to work above CS (D′), and four 200-m tests at CS to establish a CSR estimate. Combining CS and D′, 2 HIIT sessions designed as 5 × 3-minute intervals depleting 60% of D′ and 3 × 3.5-minute intervals depleting 80% of D′ were prescribed once per week, respectively. An additional HIIT session was prescribed using CS and CSR as 10 × 150 m or 200 m at CS with 2 cycles per minute lower stroke rate than the CSR estimate. Additional monitored variables included peak speed, average speed for 150 seconds (speed150s) and 180 seconds (speed180s), competition performance and stroke length (SL), stroke count (SC), and stroke index (SI) adopted at CS. Results: At the end of the intervention, swimmers demonstrated faster CS (mean change ± 90% confidence limits: +5.4 ± 1.6%), speed150s (+2.5 ± 0.9%), speed180s (+3.0 ± 0.9%), and higher stroke rate (+6.4 ± 3.0%) and stroke index (+4.2 ± 3.6%). D′ was reduced (−25.2 ± 7.5%), whereas peak speed, SL, and SC changed only trivially. The change in the swimmers’ personal best times in the first and second main event was −1.2 ± 1.3% and −1.6 ± 0.9%, respectively. Conclusion: HIIT prescribed based on the CS and CSR concepts was associated with improvements in several physiological, technical, and performance parameters in highly trained swimmers while utilizing time- and resource-efficient approach. This was achieved despite a ≥25% reduction in training volume.

scholarly journals A COMPARISON OF RACE PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS BETWEEN ELITE MALE 50-M AND 100-M FREESTYLE SWIMMERS BASED ON THEIR RESULTS

2020 ◽  
pp. 453
Author(s):  
Marko Đurović ◽  
Damira Vranešić-Hadžimehmedović ◽  
Miloš Paunović ◽  
Dejan Madić ◽  
Tomislav Okičić
Keyword(s):  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Performance Characteristics ◽  
Stroke Index ◽  
Stroke Rate ◽  
Stroke Length ◽  
Research Results ◽  
Long Course ◽  
Race Performance

The aim of this research was to determine the differences in specific race performance characteristics of male swimmers in the 50-m and 100-m freestyle at the Serbia Open Championship 2017 (long-course). The overall sample included in this study consisted of 40 swimmers divided by a K-Means Cluster Analysis into three groups in relation to the results in the 50-m freestyle (G1_50, T50=23.53±.27 s, n=6; G2_50, T50=24.54±.33 s, n=18; G3_50, T50=25.52±.33 s, n=16), and 55 swimmers also divided into three groups in relation to the results in the 100-m freestyle (G1_100, T100=50.99±.82s, n=10; G2_100, T100=53.41±.48 s, n=17; G3_100, T100=56.13±1.32 s, n=28). The research results indicate that there is a difference in the specific race performance characteristics in relation to the achieved results in the 50-m freestyle, including: t10_50 (F=16.79, p=.000), SL2_50 (F=4.44, p=.019) and SI2_50 (F=13.49, p=.000), also in the 100-m freestyle, including: t10_100 (F=36.45, p=.000), SL1_100 (F=5.77, p=.005), SL2_100 (F=17.47, p=.000), SL3_100 (F=7.72, p=.001), SL4_100 (F=9.84, p=.000), SI1_100 (F=5.12, p=.009), SI2_100 (F=45.97, p=.000), SI3_100 (F=13.86, p=.000), SI4_100 (F=31.23, p=.000), SR1_100 (F=4.12, p=.022) and SR2_100 (F=6.37, p=.003). Based on these results we can draw the conclusion that swimmers who have better control over their race performance characteristics during all the segments of the race, including stroke length, stroke index and stroke rate have the potential of being faster in the 50-m and 100-m freestyle. 

scholarly journals Using Wavelet Transform for Speed Fluctuation Analysis During Manikin Carry with Fins

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 272-278
Author(s):  
Susana Soares ◽  
A. Toubekis ◽  
L.M. Machado ◽  
J.P Vilas-Boas ◽  
R.J. Fernandes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wavelet Transform ◽  
Wavelet Analysis ◽  
Upper Limb ◽  
Fluctuation Analysis ◽  
Stroke Index ◽  
Stroke Rate ◽  
Stroke Length ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Speed Variation ◽  
Average Maximum

Background Wavelet analysis has been used to locate speed variation changes in swimmers, but this elaborated technique was not so far tested in lifesavers carrying a manikin and using one upper limb and fins for propulsion. Objective: Our purpose was to examine the feasibility of using the wavelet analysis to locate time-points of speed variation changes in a manikin carry lifesaving race using stiff and fiber fins. Method: Fourteen male lifesavers with a mean age of 20.79±4.93 years performed two 25 m all-out manikin carry swimming races using one upper limb and stiff or fiber fins for propulsion. Speed was recorded with a speedometer and its variation was analysed using a wavelet transform analysis. Video recordings were used to measure stroke rate and stroke length within each race. Results: Wavelet analysis detected, for some lifesavers, one (stiff: 10.50±1.29 vs. fiber: 9.75±0.50 s; p>0.05) and, for other lifesavers, two time-points (stiff: 6.75±0.96 and 11.50±1.29; fiber: 7.00±1.41 and 12.00±1.83 s; p>0.05) of speed variation changes. Mean speed was no different with fin types (stiff: 1.38±0.06 vs. fiber: 1.42±0.09 m∙s-1; p>0.05), as well as average, maximum and minimum speed. Stroke rate, stroke length and stroke index did not change within each race. Conclusion: Wavelet analysis was effective in detecting one and two time-points of speed variation changes within a short duration manikin carry race independently of the type of fins used. Fiber and stiff fins showed similar biomechanical and speed variations within race changes.

Relationship Between Fatigue and Changes in Swim Technique During an Exhaustive Swim Exercise

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natália M. Bassan ◽  
Tadeu E.A.S. César ◽  
Benedito S. Denadai ◽  
Camila C. Greco
Keyword(s):  
Peak Torque ◽  
Stroke Rate ◽  
Elbow Flexors ◽  
Front Crawl ◽  
Stroke Length ◽  
Swim Test ◽  
Strength Tests ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Arm Muscles ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose:To analyze the relationship between the responses of isometric peak torque (IPT) and maximal rate of force development (RFDmax) with the changes in stroking parameters in an exhaustive exercise performed in front crawl.Methods:Fifteen male swimmers performed, on different days, the following protocols: maximal 400-m trial, strength tests before and after an exhaustive test at 100% of the mean speed obtained during the 400-m test, and the same procedures on day 2.Results:The IPT of elbow flexors (79.9 ± 19.4 and 66.7 ± 20.0 N·m) and elbow extensors (95.1 ± 28.0 N·m and 85.8 ± 30.5 N·m) was decreased after the swim test, as was RFDmax (521.8 ± 198.6 and 426.0 ± 229.9 N·m/s; 420.6 ± 168.2 and 384.0 ± 143.5 N·m/s, respectively). Stroke length decreased during the swim test (1.96 ± 0.22 and 1.68 ± 0.29 m/stroke), while stroke rate increased (37.2 ± 3.14 and 41.3 ± 4.32 strokes/min). The propulsive phases increased while the nonpropulsive phases decreased during the test. Significant correlation was found between the changes in IPT and stroke length, stroke rate and recovery (elbow flexors), and entry and catch phase (elbow extensors). In addition, significant correlation was found between the changes in RFDmax of elbow flexors with the changes in pull and recovery phases.Conclusion:Changes in swim technique during an exhaustive test can be, at least in part, associated with fatigue of the arm muscles.

scholarly journals Functional Role of Movement and Performance Variability: Adaptation of Front Crawl Swimmers to Competitive Swimming Constraints

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Simbaña Escobar ◽  
Philippe Hellard ◽  
David B. Pyne ◽  
Ludovic Seifert
Keyword(s):  
Coefficient Of Variation ◽  
Quadratic Model ◽  
Stroke Rate ◽  
Front Crawl ◽  
Stroke Length ◽  
Competitive Swimming ◽  
Performance Variability ◽  
Group Speed ◽  
And Performance

To study the variability in stroking parameters between and within laps and individuals during competitions, we compared and modeled the changes of speed, stroke rate, and stroke length in 32 top-level male and female swimmers over 4 laps (L1–L4) in 200-m freestyle events using video-derived 2-dimensional direct linear transformation. For the whole group, speed was greater in L1, with significant decreases across L2, L3, and L4 (1.80 ± 0.10 vs 1.73 ± 0.08; 1.69 ± 0.09; 1.66 ± 0.09  · s−1,P < .05). This variability was attributed to a decrease in stroke length (L2: 2.43 ± 0.19 vs L4: 2.20 ± 0.13 m,P < .05) and an increase in stroke rate (L2: 42.8 ± 2.6 vs L4: 45.4 ± 2.3 stroke · min−1,P < .05). The coefficient of variation and the biological coefficient of variation in speed were greater for male versus female (3.9 ± 0.7 vs 3.1 ± 0.7; 2.9 ± 1.0 vs 2.6 ± 0.7,P < .05) and higher in L1 versus L2 (3.9 ± 1.3 vs 3.1 ± 0.1; 2.9 ± 0.9 vs 2.3 ± 0.7,P < .05). Intra-lap speed values were best represented by a cubic (n = 38), then linear (n = 37) and quadratic model (n = 8). The cubic fit was more frequent for males (43.8%) than females (15.6%), suggesting greater capacity to generate higher acceleration after the turn. The various stroking parameters managements within lap suggest that each swimmer adapts his/her behavior to the race constraints.

scholarly journals The influence of different hand paddle size on 100-m front crawl kinematics

2012 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 112-118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel López-Plaza ◽  
Fernando Alacid ◽  
Pedro A. López-Miñarro ◽  
José M. Muyor
Keyword(s):  
Swimming Performance ◽  
Video Camera ◽  
Swimming Velocity ◽  
Stroke Rate ◽  
Front Crawl ◽  
Stroke Length ◽  
Elite Swimmers ◽  
The Mean

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to determine the influence of different sizes of hand paddles on kinematicparameters during a 100 m freestyle swimming performance in elite swimmers. Nine elite swimmers (19.1 ± 1.9 years)completed three tests of 100 m without paddles, with small paddles (271.27 cm2) and with large paddles (332.67 cm2),respectively. One video camera was used to record the performance during the three trials. The mean swimmingvelocity, stroke rate and stroke length were measured in the central 10 meters of each 50 m length. The results showedthat stroke length tended to increase significantly when wearing hand paddles (p < 0.05) during both the first andsecond 50 m sections whereas the increase in swimming velocity occurred only in the second 50 m (p < 0.05).Conversely, the stroke rate showed a slight decreasing trend with increasing paddle size. During the 100 m freestyletrial the stroke kinematics were changed significantly as a result of the increase in propelling surface size when handpaddles were worn.

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