Validation of the New Visual Swimming Pace Control System in Real-Time

Controlling swimming speed, i.e. the intensity of physical activity, is an important factor in swimming training. The aim of this study was to validate the new “Swimming Pace Control System” (SPCS) for the control of swimming speed in real time using visual information. Submerged at the bottom of the pool was a system equipped with LEDs and software that informed the swimmer of the appropriate distance and swimming speed. A validation test was completed with an accuracy of ±200ms which compared the predetermined time for the beam of light emitted by the SPCS and the times achieved and recorded by the electronic starting system; “Colorado Time System” (Colorado Time, USA). The average time required to move the beam simulated by the SPCS at fixed distances (150 m, 100 m, 50 m) was within the assumed error of measurement (500 ms). SPCS was proven to be useful for control of swimming speed in real-time with the aid of visual information. The system gives an objective indication of swimming speed, thus it can be used in swimming training and during empirical research

The Effect of Visual Speed Swimming Control in Swimmers’ Threshold Training

Controlling swimming speed is an important factor as far as accomplishing swimming training tasks is concerned. The aim of this study was to determine the importance of visual information about control of swimming speed in threshold training for swimmers. Six swimmers took part in this experiment. The study consisted of two exercise tests in which the participants swam 10 x 100m. Individually designated task time corresponded to intensity of 95-100% of anaerobic threshold (AnT) intensity. AnT was determined in a progressive test prior to the experiment. In the first exercise test participants did not receive information regarding their swimming speed. In the second test visual information regarding their swimming speed was transmitted in real time using the Swimming Pace Control System device. The effect of visual control of swimming speed in threshold training for swimmers was determined by measuring the time needed to complete the test distances, heart rate and lactate concentration. Visual information used in swimming speed control in real-time statistically significantly reduces the differences between the assumed and actual time needed to complete the test distance (p=0.057). Visual control of swimming speed resulted in an appropriate level achievement of intensity for threshold training, which was measured by swimming time (inaccuracy 6.97±1.38 s), heart rate ( 162.7±15.9 beat/min), and lactate concentration ( 4.70±1.78mmol/l). Comparing the increase in lactate concentration and exercise test with visual information, statistically significant differences are not observed (p=0.710; p=0.947). However, among 33.33% of the subjects, lactate concentration after training without visual information did not meet the standards (4 to 5 mmol/l) of threshold training (8.85 mmol/l and 14.57 mmol/l). Additionally, value of standard deviations of lactate concentration after threshold training with visual information amounted to 37.87% mean of lactate concentration, and in the condition without information 84.00% mean of lactate concentration. The results indicate the need to use concurrent visual information provided in real-time allowing you to control the swimming speed in swimming training

The effects of concurrent visual versus verbal feedback on swimming strength task execution

Background: The aim was to compare the effects of two different types of concurrent feedback administration on biomechanical performance during a swimming-specific task. Material and methods: A counterbalanced repeated measures design was used to compare the execution of the butterfly stroke (the propulsion phase only) on a modified Smith machine. Twenty repetitions were performed in each condition of feedback (visual vs. verbal). Fourteen college swimmers (age x̄ = 22.21 ±1.85 years, height x̄ = 173.71 ±8.65 cm, mass x̄ = 71.32 ±10.64 kg) were recruited. An incremental force test was administered for each participant to determine the mean propulsive velocity in which maximal power was produced. Feedback addressed correct execution velocity of the pulling movement that corresponded to the maximal power production as determined in an incremental force test. Results: T testing revealed no statistically significant differences between the verbal and visual feedback conditions. Visual feedback elicited a correct response in 76.11% of total feedback compared with 72.06% in the verbal feedback condition. Conclusions: Considering total feedback response, the visual feedback condition elicited 4.05% more correct responses than verbal feedback. However, this difference did not attain statistical significance and, therefore, the underlying hypothesis could not be confirmed.CTS-527: Actividad física y deportiva en el medio acuátic

Physical activity and health

„Physical activity is a key and a integral factor of healthy life style. It is impossible to plan health strategy without it or its development or maintenance and amongst children – correct growth. Lack of physical activity is the main and autonomous risk factor of vascular diseases” (Drabik 1996, s. 215). At this point it becomes important to acknowledge the definition of homeostasis put forward by W. Cannon (1932) in the thirties. This definition mostly refers to autoregulation of biological processes. In general it stands for internal and external balance of human body that can be changed by physical exercises