Influência do uso de palmares e nadadeiras no comportamento do lactato sanguíneo, da frequência cardíaca e do esforço percebido

One of the great challenges for swim coaches is proper control of the training intensity. This issue is more complex when using equipment such as paddles and fins. Among intensity control parameters, blood lactate concentration is the standard for monitoring metabolic responses, and heart rate and perceived effort are practical and inexpensive methods. The aim of this study was to compare blood lactate concentration ([LA]), heart rate (HR) and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) in swimming training series without equipment and with paddles and fins. We evaluated 11 swimmers on three different days during sessions in a series of 12 repetitions of 50 m in front crawl. The first session was performed without equipment, maintaining perception exertion at 15 (15 points) of the 6-20 point Borg scale. In the second and third sessions, athletes should swim in the series with: (i) paddles and (ii) fins, at the same swimming speed of the series without equipment, in random order. [LA], HR and RPE at rest (after warm-up and before swimming series) and after the sixth and 12th repetitions were measured and compared. The mean speed for all series was 1.30 ± 0.13 m.s-1; fins and paddles presented lower final [LA] (respectively, 5.9 ± 0.3 and 8.1 ± 0.4 mmol.l-1) and HR values (respectively, 161.1 ± 15, 5 161.1 and 170.3 ± 13.3 170.3 bpm) in comparison to series without equipment (respectively, 10.8 ± 0.7 mmol.l-1 and 178.2 ± 4.3 bpm). Fins had lower final RPE values (12.5 ± 0.6 points) in relation to series without equipment (15.8 ± 0.2 points) and similar values in relation to swimming with paddles. Swimming series with equipment produced lower physiological demands in relation to swimming without equipment if performed at the same swimming speed as swimming without equipment.Um dos grandes desafios para treinadores de natação é o adequado controle da intensidade de treino. Essa questão é mais complexa quando utilizados equipamentos como palmares e nadadeiras. Dentre os parâmetros de controle de intensidade, a concentração sanguínea de lactato [LA] é padrão para acompanhamento de respostas metabólicas, e a frequência cardíaca (FC) e o esforço percebido (EP) são métodos práticos e baratos. Esse estudo teve como objetivo comparar a concentração sanguínea de lactato, a frequência cardíaca e o esforço percebido em série de treinamento de natação sem equipamentos, com palmares ou com nadadeiras. Foram avaliados 11 nadadores em três diferentes dias durante série de 12 repetições de 50 m nado crawl. A primeira foi realizada sem equipamentos mantendo a percepção relativa ao escore 15 da escala de 6 a 20 pontos de Borg. A segunda e terceira séries os atletas realizavam (i) utilizando palmares e (ii) utilizando nadadeiras, na mesma velocidade de nado da série sem equipamentos, em ordem aleatória. Foram mensuradas e comparadas [LA], FC e EP nos momentos repouso (pós-aquecimento e antes da série), após a sexta e a 12ª repetições. A velocidade média para todas as séries foi de1,30 ± 0,13 m.s-1; nadadeiras e palmares apresentaram menores valores finais de [LA] (respectivamente, 5,9 ± 0,3 e 8,1 ± 0,4 mmol.l-1) e de FC (respectivamente, 161,1 ± 15,5 e 170,3 ± 13,3 bpm) em relação ao nado sem equipamentos (respectivamente, 10,8 ± 0,7 mmol.l-1 e 178,2 ± 4,3 bpm). O nado com nadadeiras apresentou menores valores finais de EP (12,5 ± 0,6 pontos) em relação ao nado sem equipamentos (15,8 ± 0,2 pontos) e similares valores em relação ao nado com palmares. Séries de natação com equipamentos produzem menores demandas fisiológicas em relação ao nado sem equipamentos se realizadas na mesma velocidade de nado que o nado sem equipamentos

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

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

Relationship between water vertical jump test and ball speed in the throw to the goal in water polo players

Considerando as técnicas fundamentais do polo aquático (PAq), o objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a existência de relação entre a velocidade da bola após o arremesso à gol (VB) e a altura alcançada em teste vertical realizado dentro da água (HEB) por jogadores recreacionais de PAq. Participaram 13 jogadores de PAq do sexo masculino (idade: 30,4 ± 6,5 anos, massa corporal de 81,4 ± 9,9 kg, estatura de 1,78 ± 0,05 m e envergadura de 1,81 ± 0,06 m). VB foi mensurada com radar e HEB com videogrametria. Resultados: VB foi de 15,8 ± 1,4 m.s-1 e HEB foi de 128,0 ± 12,0 cm. Encontrou-se correlação positiva, forte e significativa (r = 0,71 e p = 0,004) entre a VB e a HEB. Jogadores recreacionais adultos de polo aquático tem desempenho no teste de velocidade da bola e no de salto vertical na água próximos ou abaixo daquele apresentado por jogadoras de elevado nível de desempenho e atletas mais jovens de bom desempenho.Considering the fundamental techniques of water polo (WP), the aim of this study was to verify the existence of a relationship between the speed of the ball in the throw to the goal (SB) and the height reached in vertical test performed in water (HEB) by WP players. Thirteen WP male players participated (age: 30.4 ± 6.5 years, body mass 81.4 ± 9.9 kg, height 1.78 ± 0.05 m and wingspan of 1.81 ± 0, 06 m). SB was measured with radar and HEB with videogrammetry. Results: SB was 15.8 ± 1.4 m∙s -1 and HEB was 128.0 ± 12.0 cm. Positive, strong and significant correlation (r = 0.71 and p = 0.004) between SB and HEB was found. Adult male recreational water polo players perform the throw to the goal and the vertical jump near or below that of high-performance female players and younger but high-level athletes

Effects of paddles and fins on front crawl kinematics, arm stroke efficiency, coordination, and estimated energy cost

Paddles and fins are used in swimmers training with different objectives (e.g., increase propulsive areas of hands and feet, improve the feeling of water flow). These artificial modifications of the stroke might be viewed as external constraints of the stroke task, both will either disturb or facilitate swimming modalities, so the coaches should manipulate its use to extract benefits for performance. This study seeks to investigate the precise effects of wearing either paddles (PAD) or fins (FINS) vs. a no-equipment (NE) trial in three all-out front crawl exercises on swimmer kinematics, arm stroke efficiency (ηp), upper-limbs coordination patterns (Index of Coordination, IdC), and estimated energy cost (C). Eleven regional to national-level male swimmers participated in the study (age: 25.8 ± 5.5 years, body mass: 75.2 ± 5.5 kg, height: 177 ± 6.5 cm) and were recorded from both sides of the swimming pool to collect all variables. Repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc were used to compare the variables. Effects sizes were calculated. Time to cover the distance and velocity were higher in FINS swimming, with larger values of stroke length (SL) and lower kick amplitude in comparison to the other trials (PAD and NE). The use of FINS also modified the stroke phases durations by presenting significant lower propulsion time during the stroke in comparison to PAD or NE. Values of IdC were lower (IdC < −1%, so catchup pattern of coordination) for FINS in comparison to NE. In terms of ηp, using PAD or FINS demonstrate higher arm stroke efficiency than swimming without equipment. Finally, C was significantly higher in FINS swimming in comparison to NE and PAD. From the present results, it should be noted that the use of equipment such as fins deeply modify the structure of the swimming stroke (from the performance-related parameters through the kinematics of both upper and lower limbs to the stroke efficiency and coordination pattern). So, using equipment should be appropriately scaled by the coaches to the objectives of the training session in swimming, and in emergent sports such as “SwimRun”, paddles and fins must be viewed as tools to achieve higher velocities to cover a given distance

Estruturas elásticas e fadiga muscular

A fadiga muscular pode ser definida pela incapacidade de manter certa tarefa ao longo do tempo; os mecanismos neuromusculares e metabólicos envolvidos na contração muscular estão diretamente associados a esse fenômeno. Este estudo bibliográfico busca descrever as alterações nos elementos contráteis e elásticos envolvidos na contração muscular e sua relação com o desempenho na locomoção. As estruturas contráteis são aquelas que desenvolvem força ativa com gasto de energia metabólica – mecanismo de pontes cruzadas; as elásticas são aquelas que oferecem resistência mecânica ao alongamento sem custo energético – força passiva – e conservam energia elástica para uma nova contração. Após a análise de ambas, é possível afirmar que a fadiga muscular está associada à função das estruturas contráteis e elásticas

Propulsive efficiency in swimming : the knowledge and practices of teachers and coaches

Resumo: A eficiência propulsiva da braçada (ηp) pode ser descrita como o percentual da força aplicada pelo nadador na água que contribui para seu deslocamento à frente. Este estudo teve como objetivo verificar o conhecimento, o processo avaliativo e pedagógico de professores e treinadores de natação sobre a ηp, além de fornecer sugestões que promovam a inserção da ηp nas aulas e treinos de natação. Um questionário com seis questões fechadas e três questões abertas, previamente analisado e aprovado por três doutores com experiência teórico-prática no tema da ηp, foi respondido de modo eletrônico por 117 professores e treinadores de natação. Utilizou-sea frequência relativa para a descrição das variáveis categóricas e as associações foram verificadas com teste de X2. O programa SPSS v.20.0 foi utilizado para as análises, alfa foi estabelecido em 5%. As respostas das questões abertas foram analisadas de modo qualitativo. Grande parte dos participantes trabalha com natação há mais de 6 anos (73,4%), possui título de especialista (34,2%), e trabalha em mais de uma área da natação (44,4%). A maioria afirmou conhecer (75,2%) e aplicar (69,2%) o conceito de eficiência propulsiva, mas 53% não medem a ηp nas aulas e nos treinos, além disso apenas 9 de 99 respondentes (9,1%) descreveram corretamente o conceito de ηp. Associações significativas (p < 0,05) foram encontradas entre: (i) formação e aplicação do conceito de ηp (X2 = 12,3); (ii) formação e mensuração da ηp (X2 = 21,1) e (iii) tempo de atuação na área e mensuração da ηp (X2 = 9,7). Sendo a ηp importante para a técnica dos nadadores, sua inclusão é fundamental na formação e no treinamento, logo são necessários conhecimentos corretos, assim como práticas pedagógicas e avaliativas relacionadas ao conceito, a fim de incrementar a técnica de nado.Abstract: The propulsive efficiency of the stroke (ηp) can be described as the percentage of force applied by the swimmer in the water that contributes to its displacement forward. This study aimed to verify the knowledge, the evaluation and pedagogical process of teachers and coaches of swimming about the ηp, in addition to providing suggestions to promote the insertion of ηp in swimming classes and training. A questionnaire with six closed questions and three open questions, previously analyzed and approved by three doctors with theoretical and practical experience in the subject of ηp, was answered electronically by 117 swimming teachers and coaches. Relative frequency was used for the description of categorical variables and associations were verified with X2 test. SPSS v.20.0 software was used for the analyses, alpha was set at 5%. The answers to the open questions were analyzed qualitatively. Most of the participants have worked with swimming for more than 6 years (73.4%), have a specialist title (34.2%), and work in more than one area of swimming (44.4%). Most claimed to know (75.2%) and apply (69.2%) the concept of propulsive efficiency, but 53% do not measure ηp in lessons and training, moreover only 9 of 99 respondents (9.1%) correctly described the concept of ηp. Significant associations (p < 0.05) were found between: (i) formation and application of the concept of ηp (X2 = 12.3); (ii) formation and measurement of ηp (X2 = 21.1) and (iii) time of performance in the area and measurement of ηp (X2 = 9.7). Being the ηp important for the technique of swimmers, its inclusion is fundamental in the formation and training, therefore, correct knowledge is necessary, as well as pedagogical and evaluative practices related to the concept, in order to increase the swimming technique

Kinematic, coordinative and efficiency parameters of physically impaired swimmers at maximum aerobic power speed

In paralympic swimming, the biomechanical parameters related to performance are effectively determined according to the potentialities and peculiarities of each athlete. However, a clear integrated approach to these parameters for swimmers with physical disabilities at the speed of maximum oxygen uptake (vV̇O2max) is still practically non-existent. Objective: The purpose of this study was twofold: (i) to assess kinematic, coordinative and efficiency parameters measured at vV̇O2max in swimmers with physical impairments; and (ii) to correlate these biomechanical parameters with the time for a 200 m maximum test. Methods: Eleven swimmers with physical disabilities (seven males and four females) were assessed at vV̇O2max with support from a three-dimensional kinematic method. The performance parameters analysed were: (i) kinematic - stroke rate (SR), stroke length (SL), average swimming speed (SS) and intra-cyclic velocity variation (IVV); (ii) coordinative - index of coordination (IdC) and adapted index of coordination (IdCadapt); and (iii) swimming efficiency - propelling efficiency (çp). Results: The overall results showed high dispersion and wide confidence intervals for the kinematic and coordinative variables. The mean and standard deviation of vV̇O2max and V̇O2 at the same intensity were 0.90 ± 0.13 m/s and 38.2 ± 8.3 ml/kg/min, respectively. Conclusion: Swimmers with less significant impact of physical disability on specific swimming tasks presented higher SL, SS and çp. The IVV was higher in swimmers with a greater impact of disability on conducting specific competitive swimming tasks. In general, the catch-up inter-arm coordination model is adopted

The impact of a swimming training season on anthropometrics, maturation, and kinematics in 12-year-old and under age-group swimmers: a network analysis

Understanding fluctuations and associations between swimming performance-related variables provide strategic insights into a swimmer’s preparation program. Through network analysis, we verified the relationships between anthropometrics, maturation, and kinematics changes (1) in 25-m breaststroke (BREAST) and butterfly (FLY) swimming performance, before and after a 47-week swimming training season. Twenty age-group swimmers (n =11 girls: 10.0 ± 1.3 years and n = 9 boys: 10.5 ± 0.9 years) performed a 25-m all-out swim test (T25) in BREAST and FLY techniques, before and after 47 weeks. Three measures of centrality, transformed into a z-score, were generated: betweenness, closeness, and strength. Data were compared (t-test) and effect sizes were identified with Hedges’ g. Large effect sizes were observed for swimming performance improvements in BREAST (32.0 ± 7.5 to 24.5 ± 3.8 s; g = 1.26; 1 = −21.9 %) and FLY (30.3 ± 7.0 to 21.8 ± 3.6 s; g = 1.52; 1 = −26.5 %). Small to moderate effect sizes were observed for anthropometric changes. Moderate effect size was observed for maturity offset changes (−2.0 ± 0.9 to −1.3 ± 1.0; g = 0.73; 1 = 50.9 ± 281 %). Changes in maturity offset, stroke rate (SR), and stroke length for both BREAST and FLY swimming speeds were highlighted by the weight matrix. For betweenness, closeness, and strength, changes in arm span (AS) (BREAST) and stroke length (FLY) were remarkable. The dynamic process of athletic development and the perception of complexity of fluctuations and associations between performance-related variables were underpinned, particularly for simultaneous swimming techniques in age-group swimmers

Monitoring Changes Over a Training Macrocycle in Regional Age‐Group Swimmers.

Our aim was to analyze physiological, kinematical and performance changes induced by swimming training in regional age‐group athletes. Subjects (15.7 ± 2.2 years old) performed a 4 x 50‐m front‐crawl test at maximal velocity (10 s rest interval) in weeks 2, 4, 9 and 12 of a 15‐week macrocycle. Descriptive statistics were used and the percentage of change and smallest worthwhile change (moderate, 0.6‐1.2, and large, > 1.2) were measured. Lactate concentration in the third, seventh and twelfth minute of recovery decreased significantly between weeks 2‐9 (14.1, 15.7 and 17.6%) and increased between weeks 9‐12 (18.2, 18.6 and 19.8%), with the HR presenting only trivial variations during the training period. Stroke length showed a large decrease in the first 50‐m trial between weeks 4‐9 (6.2%) and a large increase between weeks 9‐12 (3.1%). The stroke rate (in all 50‐m trials) increased significantly between weeks 4‐9 (3‐ 7%) and the stroke index had a moderate to large increase in the first and third 50‐m trial (3.6 and 7.1%, respectively) between weeks 9‐12. The overall time decreased by 1.1% between weeks 2‐12, being more evident after week 4. We concluded that physiological, kinematical and performance variables were affected by the period of training in regional age‐group swimmers