Effects of Dry-Land Training Programs on Swimming Turn Performance: A Systematic Review.

Swimming coaches have prescribed dry-land training programs over the years to improve the overall swimming performance (starts, clean swimming, turns and finish). The main aim of the present systematic review was to examine the effects of dry-land strength and conditioning programs on swimming turns. Four online databases were scrutinised, data were extracted using the Preferred PRISMA guidelines and the PEDro scale was applied. A total of 1259 articles were retrieved from database searches. From the 19 studies which were full-text evaluated, six studies were included in the review process. The review indicated that plyometric, strength, ballistic and core training programs were implemented for improving swimming turn performance. Strength, ballistic and plyometric training focusing on neural enhancement seem to be effective for improving swimming turn performance. The data related to training of the core were not conclusive. Coaches should consider incorporating exercises focusing on improving the neuromuscular factor of the leg-extensor muscles into their daily dry-land training programs. More researches are needed to provide a better understanding of the training methods effects and training organisations for improving swimming turn performance.post-print626 K

Comparing the pathway to success in european countries competing in the swimming world championships

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the performance progression model of the european countries that participated in the World Championships (WCs) from 2006 to 2017. Data from all championships were compared between the top five (1–5) and the next five (6–10) countries on the medal table. The study also identifies the ages of peak performance in senior swimmers, the annual ratio of progression and the effect of junior performance on senior success by these groups of countries. We hypothesized that: (1) countries with swimmers achieving better performances at the Junior WCs would also be higher in the medal ranking at the Senior WCs and (2) a higher annual performance progression in their swimmers increases the chances of countries being ranked in the top 5 at the Senior World Championships. Methods: Participant’s data from all Junior and Senior WCs between 2006 and 2017 were obtained from FINA. The final, filtered database included 629 swimmers after removing those participating only in the Junior WCs and selecting swimmers from the top 10 countries. One-way ANOVA, F test, and decision tree methods were used to examine differences between the top (1–5) and the next best (6–10) countries on the medal table for first participation age, annual progress, and best-time in junior and senior championships. Results: There was no difference (p = 0.492 and p = 0.97) between 1–5 and 6–10 ranked countries for best senior time and annual progression, respectively. Countries ranked in the top 5 at the Senior WCs had swimmers with faster times at the Junior WCs (p > 0.001). Decision tree analysis found that best-time at the Junior WC had the greatest explanatory capacity (94%). Conclusion: European countries with swimmers who perform best at the Junior WCs are also likely to be in the top 5 countries that win medals at the Senior WCs

Analysis of world championship swimmers using a performance progression model

Purpose: The primary aim was to create a performance progression model of elite competitors in the World Swimming Championships from 2006 to 2017 for all strokes and distances. Secondly, to identify the influence of annual ratios of progression, ages of peak performance and junior status on success in senior competitions. Methods: Data regarding the participants of senior and junior World Championships (WCs) between 2006 and 2017 were obtained from FINA. The final filtered database, after removing those swimmers who just participated in junior WCs, included 4076. Statistical models were used to examine differences between the top senior swimmers (the top 30% best performances; T30) and lower level swimmers (the bottom 70% performances; L70) for minimum age (MA), progress (P) and best junior time (BJ). In order to identify the variables that contribute to reach the T30 group, a logistic regression (LR), stepwise LR and decision tree were applied. To analyze the effect of each variable separately, a simple LR (gross odds ratio) was performed. Ratio probabilities (OR) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for each variable. Results: Swimmer’s BJ and P were higher in the T30 group (p < 0.000). The decision tree showed the greatest explanatory capacity for BJ, followed by P. The MA had a very low explanatory capacity and was not significant in the LR. Conclusion: Swimmers with exceptional junior performance times, or have a high rate of progress are more likely to be successful at the senior WCs

Reverse Periodization for Improving Sports Performance:A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND: Reverse periodization is commonly touted as a salient planning strategy to improve sport performance in athletes, but benefits have not been clearly described. OBJECTIVES: We sought to identify the main characteristics of reverse periodization, and the influence of training volume and periodization models on enhancing physiological measures and sports performance. DESIGN: Systematic review. METHODS: The electronic databases Scopus, PubMed and Web of Science were searched using a comprehensive list of relevant terms. RESULTS: A total of 925 studies were identified, and after removal of duplicates and studies based on title and abstract screening, 17 studies remained, and 11 finally included in the systematic review. There was a total of 200 athletes in the included studies. Reverse periodization does not provide superior performance improvements in swimming, running, muscular endurance, maximum strength, or maximal oxygen uptake, compared to traditional or block periodization. The quality of evidence levels for the reverse periodization studies was 1b (individual randomized controlled trial) for two investigations, 2b (individual cohort study) for the remaining studies and a mean of 4.9 points in the PEDro scale (range 0–7). CONCLUSIONS: It appears that reverse periodization is no more effective than other forms of periodization in improving sports performance. More comparative studies on this alternative version of periodization are required to verify its effectiveness and utility across a range of endurance sports

How Generation X and Millennials Perceive Influencers&rsquo; Recommendations: Perceived Trustworthiness, Product Involvement, and Perceived Risk

Previous literature has found underlying differences in purchasing behaviors, consumption habits, and Internet and social media usage between Generation X and Millennials. The activities and how users engage with consumer advice made by popular social media personalities can differ according to their age. Recent studies have shown that trust in the message transmitted by influencers is a critical factor in explaining the impact of consumer recommendations on their followers. However, so far there is little evidence of the possible variation according to the generational cohort to which they belong. This paper attempts to fill this gap by reviewing theoretical contributions on the relationships between perceived trustworthiness, perceived risk, product involvement, and purchase intention. Next, we proposed an exploratory model that analyzes the differences through partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) with multigroup analysis. The resulting hypotheses were tested on a sample of 116 Millennial and 135 Generation X influencer followers. The results confirmed moderating effects of the generational cohort on message credibility and purchase intention, as well as on Millennials&rsquo; risk perception. Additionally, social norm and gender were analyzed, and heterogeneity was found according to the level of social norm of the followers

How Generation X and Millennials Perceive Influencers’ Recommendations: Perceived Trustworthiness, Product Involvement, and Perceived Risk

Previous literature has found underlying differences in purchasing behaviors, consumption habits, and Internet and social media usage between Generation X and Millennials. The activities and how users engage with consumer advice made by popular social media personalities can differ according to their age. Recent studies have shown that trust in the message transmitted by influencers is a critical factor in explaining the impact of consumer recommendations on their followers. However, so far there is little evidence of the possible variation according to the generational cohort to which they belong. This paper attempts to fill this gap by reviewing theoretical contributions on the relationships between perceived trustworthiness, perceived risk, product involvement, and purchase intention. Next, we proposed an exploratory model that analyzes the differences through partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) with multigroup analysis. The resulting hypotheses were tested on a sample of 116 Millennial and 135 Generation X influencer followers. The results confirmed moderating effects of the generational cohort on message credibility and purchase intention, as well as on Millennials’ risk perception. Additionally, social norm and gender were analyzed, and heterogeneity was found according to the level of social norm of the followers

Which variables may affect underwater glide performance after a swimming start?

The underwater phase is perhaps the most important phase of the swimming start. To improve performance during the underwater phase, it is necessary to improve our understanding of the key variables affecting this phase. The main aim of this study was to identify key kinematic variables that are associated with the performance of an underwater glide of a swimming start, when performed at streamlined position without underwater undulatory swimming. Sixteen experienced swimmers performed 48 track starts and 20 kinematic variables were analysed. A multiple linear regression analysis was carried out to explore the relationship between glide performance (defined as glide distance) and the variables that may affect glide performance. Four variables in the regression model were identified as good predictors of glide distance: flight distance; average velocity between 5 m and 10 m; and maximum depth of the hip. The results of the present study help improve our understanding of underwater glide optimisation and could potentially facilitate improvement of overall start performance.pre-print153 K