Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Elite swimming'

Swimming performance is primarily judged on the overall time taken for a swimmer to complete a specified distance performing a stroke that complies with current regulations defined by the Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA), the International governing body of swimming. There are three contributing factors to this overall time; the start, free swimming and turns. The contribution of each of these factors is event dependent; for example, in a 50m event there are no turns, however, the start can be a significant contributor. To improve overall performance each of these components should be optimised in terms of skill and execution. This thesis details the research undertaken towards improving performance-related feedback in swimming. The research included collaboration with British Swimming, the national governing body for swimming in the U.K., to drive the requirements and direction of research. An evaluation of current methods of swimming analysis identified a capability gap in real-time, quantitative feedback. A number of components were developed to produce an integrated system for comprehensive swim performance analysis in all phases of the swim, i.e. starts, free swimming and turns. These components were developed to satisfy two types of stakeholder requirements. Firstly, the measurement requirements, i.e. what does the end user want to measure? Secondly, the process requirements, i.e. how would these measurements be achieved? The components developed in this research worked towards new technologies to facilitate a wider range of measurement parameters using automated methods as well as the application of technologies to facilitate the automation of current techniques. The development of the system is presented in detail and the application of these technologies is presented in case studies for starts, free swimming and turns. It was found that developed components were able to provide useful data indicating levels of performance in all aspects of swimming, i.e. starts, free swimming and turns. For the starts, an integrated solution of vision, force plate technology and a wireless iii node enabled greater insight into overall performance and quantitative measurements of performance to be captured. Force profiles could easily identify differences in swimmer ability or changes in technique. The analysis of free swimming was predominantly supported by the wireless sensor technology, whereby signal analysis was capable of automatically determining factors such as lap times variations within strokes. The turning phase was also characterised in acceleration space, allowing the phases of the turn to be individually assessed and their contribution to total turn time established. Each of the component technologies were not used in isolation but were supported by other synchronous data capture. In all cases a vision component was used to increase understanding of data outputs and provide a medium that coaches and athletes were comfortable with interpreting. The integrated, component based system has been developed and tested to prove its ability to produce useful, quantitative feedback information for swimmers. The individual components were found to be capable of providing greater insight into swimming performance, that has not been previously possible using the current state of the art techniques. Future work should look towards the fine-tuning of the prototype system into a useable solution for end users. This relies on the refinement of components and the development of an appropriate user interface to enable ease of data collection, analysis, presentation and interpretation.

Synchronized swimming (SS) is a sports discipline combining swimming, dancing and gymnastics. Synchronized Swimmers perform a choreography called routine consisting of elaborate moves in the water accompanied by music. Previous research investigating SS from a physiological perspective has mainly used figures or fractionated and/or simulated routine protocols during training, although the nature of sports leads to continuous very demanding exercises (~2-4 minutes) performed at increasingly higher levels of intensity with almost 50% of this time underwater. In addition, different from training, competition is a challenging situation which usually stimulates higher psycho-physiological responses in the participant. Current knowledge is thus limited as regards physiological responses in competitive elite SS. Therefore, the overall aim of this thesis is to study the physiological responses related to performance during the execution of competitive routines both during training and competitive sessions in elite synchronized swimmers. The thesis is based on three studies (Studies I – III); all of them use the same protocol with continuous cardiovascular monitoring during competitive routines, perceived exertion assessment after the executions, and blood lactate measurements (Studies I and III). Study I characterized the physiological responses in relation to performance during an official competition. In Study II the execution of the duets in both conditions –training and competitive session– was used to compare the athletes’ internal load in order to ascertain whether swimmers may achieve the competitive intensity during training sessions, and Study III was performed to investigate how immersion periods, with the concomitant bradycardic events, affect perceived exertion with both physiological (HR) and subjective perceptual markers (RPE). The current thesis demonstrates that cardiovascular responses during competition are characterized by intense anticipatory pre-activation and rapidly developing tachycardia up to maximal levels with interspersed periods of marked bradycardia during the exercise bouts performed in apnea (Studies I­III). Moderate blood lactate accumulation suggested the activation of the glycolytic metabolism in the exercising muscles and an adaptive metabolic response due to the specific training adaptations in this kind of athletes (Studies I and III). Furthermore, competitive routines were perceived as very to extremely intense by all swimmers, likely reflecting not only the absolute exercise demands but also their previous experience and expectations (Studies I – III). In Study II, the internal load (HR and RPE) imposed by SS duets performed during training was virtually identical to that elicited in a real competitive situation due to the effects of automaticity –embodied through the replication of the same movement sequence in practice–, and by the swimmers’ long-term adaptations to specific routine exercise and apnea. There was a strong positive relationship between RPE and the duration and / or frequency of bradycardic events during routines (Studies II – III). In fact, the frequency and duration of immersions, the magnitude of subsequent bradycardic events, the blood lactate concentration, and the HR recovery during competitive SS routines explained 62% RPE variance changes in perceived exertion, with cardiorespiratory factors providing a relatively greater neural input as compared to metabolic factors (Study III). Attending the relationships between physiological parameters and performance, the magnitude of anticipatory heart rate activation and bradycardic response explained 26% of variability in performance (Study I) supporting the concept that an augmented diving response was associated to higher performance in SS. However, in Study III the percentage of variance rose to 53% by adding the blood lactate concentration, the number of immersions and longest immersion time, and the lower mean time immersed during the routine. This could explain that best swimmers show a greater adaptation to breath holding and this would likely translate into a more efficient O2 conservation effect (Study III).

The past few decades have heralded a paradigm shift in the psychology, oncology, and trauma literature. This shift has involved a re-focusing of the empirical lens from the distress and pathology of traumatic experiences to a focus on growth and thriving in response to adversity or traumatic events. Multiple studies have identified that individuals recognise positive changes following their experiences of adversity to the extent that many individuals report development beyond their pre-trauma functioning. These positive changes have been broadly conceptualised as growth, a multidimensional concept, which typically involves an increased appreciation for life, more meaningful relationships, an increased sense of personal strength, a change in priorities, and a richer existential and spiritual awareness. Growth following adversity, or adversarial growth, is still relatively new in sport, and specifically elite sport, and accordingly the purpose of this doctoral research was to explore adversarial growth in elite athletes with a particular emphasis on the experiences of elite level swimmers. The research was grounded in a constructivist paradigm which assumes changing and sometimes conflicting social realities, and seeks to understand people's constructions of their lived experiences.

Elite swimmers can be distinguished from novice swimmers by freestyle stroke technique. Elite swimmers move through multiple coordination modes, increases in stroke lengths, stroke rates, and body roll allowing for a more symmetrical stroke and increased speed compared with novice swimmer during 100m freestyle. Coaches strive to improve swimmers’ performance by providing feedback about stroke technique, mostly from the pool deck where view of the full stroke cycle is obstructed by the water. Tools to assess swimming are often expensive and require extra training, which does not provide a pragmatic solution. A dryland rotational swimbench would provide a means to evaluate freestyle swimming. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the sensory motor system of elite and novice level swimmers by comparing kinematic, coordinative structures and spatial-temporal characteristics of freestyle stroke on a dryland swimbench with a rotational component. Thirty elite and novice collegiate and masters swimmers were instrumented with reflective markers bilaterally on the upper extremity and torso. A series of four ten second trials of freestyle sprint swimming were performed on the swimbench. Repeated measures were used for statistical analysis for comparison between and within groups. Bonferroni corrections were used as post-hoc analysis. Results indicated no significant difference between elite and novice swimmers’ sensory-motor system, kinematics or spatio-temporal systems on a rotational swimbench. Similarities could be accounted for by swimmers perceiving a novel task due to differences in sensory feedback, and mechanical limitations of the bench. It is noteworthy that catch-up/opposition coordination are more common than superposition which provides support for the swimbench providing a more similar representation to in water swimming.

Formal long-term athlete development programmes emerged at the turn of the century and, despite some fierce criticisms, have evolved significantly since their inception. The first generation of athletes to grow up with these systems are now coming of age. The purpose of this thesis was to track a population of adolescent school-level swimmers between the ages of 12 and 18 years over an 8-year period so as to assess their performance progression as they matured under these athlete development programmes. The first study aimed to track the performances of the sub-elite athletes at an annual international school championship and to compare their progression with those of both junior elite and elite-level swimmers. In addition to narrowing the gender gap, the records of the sub-elite swimmers have continued to improve. In contrast, both of these factors remained relatively stable for junior elite and elite-level swimmers over the same period. Swimming affords athletes the possibility of within-sport specialisation. This almost unique aspect of swimming led to the two investigations of the second study. Firstly, the paired stroke combinations preferred by swimmers were determined using Cohen’s Kappa tests in a cross-sectional design. Secondly, the stability in the event selection of each swimmer during their adolescent years was explored longitudinally. Both males (33.9±5.8%) and females (36.9±6.5%) preferred to swim the 50 and 100 m freestyle events together over any other paired stroke combination. The majority of swimmers preferred to specialise in specific stroke techniques over distance specialisms with breaststroke being the only stroke in which swimmers of both sexes chose to specialise early. Most notable was that females specialised earlier than males. Studies three (males, n = 446) and four (females, n = 514) utilised mixed linear modelling to determine the quadratic functions of the performance progressions of adolescent swimmers (between the ages of 12 and 19 y) in seven individual competition events. Males progressed at more than twice the rate of females (3.5 and 1.7% per year, respectively) in all strokes over this age range. This was likely due to the fact that females reach puberty before males. Thresholds of peak performance occurred between the ages of 18.5±0.1 y (50 m freestyle and the 200 m individual medley) and 19.8±0.1 y (100 m butterfly) for males, but between the wider range of 16.8±0.2 y (200 m individual medley) and 20.6±0.1 y (100 m butterfly) for females. Using an independent sample of Dutch Junior national swimmers (n = 13), the fifth and final study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the models developed in studies three and four as both target setting and talent identification tools. This was achieved through a mixed-methods approach where quantitative and qualitative data confirmed the applicability of the models for adolescent swimmers of any skill level. This thesis demonstrates that sub-elite swimmers have probably benefitted from first generation athlete development models. Longitudinal modelling of their data provides a valuable platform from which all adolescent swimmers can be compared and used to inform the next generation of bespoke swimming-specific youth development programmes.

This thesis examined the benefits of physiological and performance testing of elite swimmers. The study considered the following research questions: the degree to which physiological and performance measures in training contribute to swimming performance; sources and magnitude of variability in testing, training and competition performance; the magnitudes of changes in test measures during routine training; and the reliability, validity and utility of miniaturised and automated smart sensor technology to monitor the stroke and performance times of swimmers in training. The experimental approach involved the retrospective analysis of five years of physiological and performance testing of elite level swimmers, the development of a new accelerometry-based smart sensor device to monitor swimmers in the pool, a cross-sectional study comparing the physiological and performance responses of swimmers of different levels, and the effects of an intensive 14-day training program on submaximal physiological and performance measures. Collectively, the outcomes of these studies provide a strong justification for the physiological and performance testing of elite swimmers, a quantitative framework for interpreting the magnitude of changes and differences in test scores and sources of variation, and highlight the potential utility of new smart sensor technology to automate the monitoring of a swimmer�s training performance. The first study (Chapter 2) characterises the changes and variability in test performance, physiological and anthropometric measures, and stroke mechanics of swimmers within and between seasons over their elite competitive career. Forty elite swimmers (24 male, 16 female) performed a 7 x 200-m incremental swimming step test several times each 6-month season (10 � 5 tests, spanning 0.5 to 6.0 y). Mixed linear modeling provided estimates of change in the mean and individual responses for measures based on submaximal performance (fixed 4-mM lactate), maximal performance (the seventh step), and lean mass (from skinfolds and body mass). Submaximal and maximal swim speed increased within each season from the pre to taper phase by ~2.2% for females and ~1.5% for males (95% confidence limits �1.0%), with variable contributions from stroke rate and stroke length. Most of the gains in speed were lost in the off-season, leaving a net average annual improvement of ~1.0% for females and ~0.6% for males (�1.0%). For submaximal and maximal speed, individual variation between phases was �2.2% and the typical measurement error was �0.8%. In conclusion, step test and anthropometric measures can be used to confidently monitor progressions in swimmers in an elite training program within and between seasons. The second study (Chapter 3) quantified the relationship between changes in test measures and changes in competition performance for individual elite swimmers. The primary question addressed was whether test measures could predict a swimmers performance at the major end-of-season competition. The same sample group as in Study 1 was examined. A 7 x 200-m incremental swimming step-test and anthropometry were conducted in up to four training phases each season. Correlations of changes in step-test and anthropometric measures between training phases between and within seasons, with changes in competition performance between seasons, were derived by repeated-measures mixed modeling and linear regression. Changes in competition performance were best tracked by changes in test measures between taper phases. The best single predictor of competition performance was skinfolds for females (r = -0.53). The best predictor from the step-test was stroke rate at 4-mM lactate (females, r = 0.46; males, r = 0.41); inclusion of the second-best step-test predictor in a multiple linear regression improved the correlations marginally (females, r =0.52 with speed in the seventh step included; males, r = 0.58 with peak lactate concentration included). Changes in test measures involving phases other than the taper provided weak and inconclusive correlations with changes in performance, possibly because the coaches and swimmers took corrective action when tests produced poor results. In conclusion, a combination of fitness and techniques factors are important for competitive performance. The step test is apparently a useful adjunct in a swimmer�s training preparation for tracking large changes in performance. These initial studies identified stroke mechanics as a major determinant of a swimmer�s performance. Chapter 4 details the development of a small tri-axial accelerometry-based smart sensor device (the Traqua) that enables continual monitoring of various performance/stroke characteristics in swimming. The initial focus was to develop a device that automated the detection of a swimmer�s movements, specifically lap times, stroke rate and stroke count. The Traqua consists of a tri-axial accelerometer packaged with a microprocessor, which attaches to the swimmer at the pelvis to monitor their whole body movements while swimming. This study established the failure/error rate in the first generation algorithms developed to detect the swimming-specific movements of stroke identification, laps (start, turn and finish), and strokes (stroke count and stroke rate) in a cohort of 21 elite and sub-elite swimmers. Movements were analysed across a range of swimming speeds for both freestyle and breaststroke. These initial algorithms were reasonably successful in correctly identifying the markers representing specific segments of a swimming lap in a range of swimmers across a spectrum of swimming speeds. The first iteration of the freestyle algorithm produced error-rates of 13% in detection of lap times, 5% for stroke rate, and 11% for stroke count. Subsequent improvements of the software reduced the error rate in lap and stroke detection. This improved software was used in the following two studies. The next study (Chapter 5) evaluated the reliability and validity of the Traqua against contemporary methods used for timing, stroke rate and stroke count determination. The subjects were 14 elite and 10 sub-elite club-level swimmers. Each swimmer was required to swim seven evenly paced 200-m efforts on a 5-min cycle, graded from easy to maximal. Swimmers completed the test using their main competitive stroke (21 freestyle, 3 breaststroke). Timing was compared for each 50-m lap and total 200-m time by electronic touch pads, video coding, a hand-held manual stopwatch, and the Traqua. Stroke count was compared for video coding, self-reported counting, and the Traqua, while the stroke rate was compared via video coding, hand-held stopwatch, and the Traqua. Retest trials were conducted under the same conditions 7 d following the first test. All data from the Traqua presented in this and the subsequent studies were visually inspected for errors in the automated algorithms, where the algorithms had either failed to correctly identify the start, turn, finish or individual strokes and corrected prior to analysis. The standard error of the estimate for each of the timing methods for total 200 m was compared with the criterion electronic timing. These standard errors were as follows: Traqua (0.64 s; 90% confidence limits 0.60 � 0.69 s), Video (0.52 s; 0.49 � 0.55 s); Manual (0.63 s; 0.59 � 0.67 s). Broken down by 50-m laps, the standard error of the estimate for the Traqua compared with the electronic timing for freestyle only was: 1st 50-m 0.35 s; 2nd and 3rd 50-m 0.13 s; 4th 50-m 0.65 s. When compared with the criterion video-coding determination, the error for the stroke count was substantially lower for the Traqua (0.6 strokes.50 m-1; 0.5 � 0.6 strokes.50 m-1) compared to the self-reported measure (2.3 strokes.50 m-1; 2.5 � 2.9 strokes.50 m-1). However, the error for stroke rate was similar between the Traqua (1.5 strokes.min-1; 1.4 � 1.6 strokes.min-1) and the manual stopwatch (1.8 strokes.min-1; 1.7 � 1.9 strokes.min-1). The typical error of measurement of the Traqua was 1.99 s for 200-m time, 1.1 strokes.min-1 for stroke rate, and 1.1 strokes.50 m-1 for stroke count. In conclusion, the Traqua is comparable in accuracy to current methods for determining time and stroke rate, and better than current methods for stroke count. A substantial source of error in the Traqua timing was additional noise in the detection of the start and finish. The Traqua is probably useful for monitoring of routine training but electronic timing and video are preferred for racing and time trials. Having established the reliability and validity of the Traqua, Chapter 6 addressed the ability to discriminate the pattern of pacing between different levels of swimmers in the 7 x 200-m incremental step test. This study also sought to quantify the differences in pacing between senior and junior swimmers. Eleven senior elite swimmers (5 female, 6 male) and 10 competitive junior swimmers (3 female, 7 male) participated in this study. Each swimmer was required to swim seven evenly paced 200-m freestyle efforts on a 5-min cycle, graded from easy to maximal. The Traqua was used to measure time, stroke rate and stroke count. The senior swimmers were better able to descend in each of the 200-m efforts. Overall the senior swimmers were ~2-3 s per 50 m faster than the junior swimmers. Both groups were fastest in the first 50-m lap with the push start. The senior swimmers then descended the 50- m time for each of the subsequent laps, getting ~0.5 s faster per lap, with the final lap the fastest. In contrast, the junior swimmers swam a similar time for each of the subsequent laps. The junior swimmers were marginally more variable in their times (coefficient of variation: ~2%) compared with the senior swimmers (~1.8%). In comparison to junior swimmers, the senior swimmers in this study were faster, adopted a more uniform negative split strategy to pacing within a 200-m effort, and were more consistent in reproducing submaximal and maximal swimming speeds. The final study (Chapter 7) analysed the effect of 14-d of intensive training on the reproducibility of submaximal swimming performance in elite swimmers. Submaximal physiological and performance testing is widely used in swimming and other individual sports but the variability in test measures, and the effects of fatigue, during intensive training have surprisingly not been quantified systematically. Seven elite swimmers (3 male and 4 female) participated in an intensive 14-d training camp one month prior to the National championships. The aim of the study was to characterise the intra-session, daily and training block variability of submaximal swimming time, physiological and stroke characteristics in elite swimmers. The swimmers performed a specified submaximal 200-m effort in most sessions, after the warm-up and at the end of the session for both morning and afternoon sessions. During the efforts, swimming time and stroke mechanics were measured and physiological measures were recorded immediately on completion. The Traqua was worn by all swimmers in every training session. Mixed linear modeling was used to provide estimates of changes in the mean and individual responses (within-athlete variation as a coefficient of variation) for all measures. The swimmers were moderately slower (1.4%; �1.4%) over the 14-d training camp. The mean submaximal 200-m effort was very likely to be faster (0.7%; confidence limits �0.7%) in the afternoon compared with the morning session. The females were more variable in their submaximal performance times (CV=2.6%) than the male swimmers (1.7%). Blood lactate concentration was almost certainly lower (-23%; �10%) following higher volume in the previous session; however a higher intensity workout the previous session almost certainly leads to higher lactate (21%; �15%) in the current session. Considered together, these results indicate that the 200-m submaximal test is useful in monitoring submaximal physiological and performance measures and the negative effects of cumulative fatigue. In conclusion, changes in the physiological and performance measures derived from the poolbased progressive incremental step test are moderately correlated with changes in end-ofviii. season competition performance. The magnitudes of changes and differences in test measures between phases within a season, from season to season, and between males and females, established in this study can be applied to similar elite level swimmers preparing for major competition. The quantification of typical error of the same measures demonstrates that coaches and scientists can distinguish real and worthwhile improvements using the 7 x 200-m step test. Continual pool-based monitoring with the automated smart sensor Traqua device may provide more accurate and detailed information about a swimmer�s training adaptation than current fitness tests and monitoring methods. Finally, submaximal testing in trained swimmers is useful in monitoring progress in physiological and performance measures, and the impact of cumulative fatigue during an intensive period of training. Collectively, the outcomes of these studies indicate that routine physiological and performance testing can provide measurable benefits for elite swimmers and their coaches.

Introdução: A respiração é um importante processo fisiológico, onde a musculatura inspiratória tem papel fundamental no desempenho de atletas nadadores. O aumento da resistência e força muscular inspiratória, adquiridos a partir do treinamento, tem sido associado a um melhor desempenho em diversas modalidades esportivas. Sendo assim, os objetivos deste estudo foram: descrever parâmetros de função pulmonar, teste de desempenho, espessura do diafragma e metaborreflexo muscular, suas correlações entre os nadadores de elite e suas especificidades nas modalidades de natação e analisar o efeito de um programa de doze semanas de treinamento muscular inspiratório(TMI), avaliando parâmetros de função pulmonar, espessura do diafragma e teste de desempenho em nadadores de elite. Desenho dos Estudos: Estudo transversal e quase experimento Métodos: 24 nadadores de elite, 16 homens e 8 mulheres, com idade (18±2 anos) entre velocistas, meio-fundistas e fundistas foram selecionados para mensuração de pressões inspiratórias, espessura de diafragma por ultrassonografia, testes de funções pulmonares, metaborreflexo inspiratório e número de respirações durante o teste. Os dados foram comparados entre os diferentes tipos de nadadores e suas diferentes provas natatórias. Para avaliar o efeito do Treinamento muscular inspiratório(TMI), foram recrutados 12 nadadores de elite. Os nadadores realizaram o TMI durante 12 semanas e foram repetidos os testes após TMI, a fim de averiguar as possíveis diminuição nos tempos nas provas de 50m e 200m, na espessura do diafragma e nos testes de função pulmonar. Resultados: O metaboreflexo muscular inspiratório não foi ativado durante 60% da pressão inspiratória máxima nos atletas. Os nadadores apresentaram força do volume expirado no 1s (VEF1s) e capacidade vital observada (CVF) superiores às estimativas de indivíduos não treinados; e as pressões respiratórias máximas (PI e PE) se correlacionaram com VEF1s e CVF destes atletas. Além disso, foi observado que, no teste de 50 metros, o menor número de respirações estava associado a uma maior pressão inspiratória, maior CVF e uma maior espessura diafragmática na posição deitada. Os velocistas apresentavam uma capacidade vital e a espessura do diafragma maior quando comparados a meio-fundistas e fundistas. Diferenças significativas foram observadas na avaliação após o TMI: aumento da capacidade funcional (p ≤0,005); aumento do VEF1s (p =0,019); e aumento do volume corrente (p ≤0,004). O TMI não alterou significativamente a espessura do diafragma. Também foi observada diminuição no número de respirações durante o teste de 50m após o TMI (p≤ 0,002). Já na avaliação do tempo de prova, não foram observadas diferenças após o treinamento. Conclusão: O TMI parece melhorar parâmetros de função pulmonar, o que foi evidenciado pelo menor número de respirações durante o teste de desempenho na prova de 50m de atletas submetidos ao TMI. A fadiga inspiratória (metaborreflexo inspiratório) não foi ativada durante 60% da carga da PIMáx dos nadadores. Nossos achados sugerem que o diafragma e os músculos inspiratórios acessórios podem ser relacionados com a melhora de desempenho de nadadores. Portanto, o treinamento muscular inspiratório poderia ser um recurso ergogênico útil a ser usado em modalidades esportivas, como parte importante a ser acrescentada no treinamento de atletas de elite em períodos pré-competitivos.
Introduction: Breathing is an important physiological process, where the inspiratory muscles has a fundamental role in the performance of swimmers. Increased endurance and muscle strength, acquired from training, has been associated with better performance in several sports. Thus, the objectives of this study were to describe pulmonary function parameters, performance testing, and thickness of the diaphragm muscle metaboreflex, their correlations among elite swimmers and their specificities in terms of swimming and analyze the effect of a twelve-week program inspiratory muscle training (IMT) evaluated pulmonary function parameters, thickness of the diaphragm and test performance in elite swimmers. Study Design: Cross-sectional study and experiment almost. Methods: 24 elite swimmers, 16 men and 8 women, aged (18 ± 2 years), between sprinters and distance runners, and runners were selected for measurement of airway pressures, diaphragm thickness by ultrasound, pulmonary function tests, inspiratory metaboreflex and number of breaths during the test. Data were compared between the different types of swimming, and different their swim tests. To evaluate the effect of inspiratory muscle training (IMT), 12 elite swimmers were recruited. The swimmers performed IMT for 12 weeks and the tests were repeated after TMI, to ascertain the possible decrease in time in the 50m and 200m evidence, the thickness of the diaphragm and lung function tests. Results: The inspiratory muscle metaboreflex was not activated for 60% of maximal inspiratory pressure in athletes. The swimmers showed strength of expiratory volume in 1s (VEF1s) and higher observed vital capacity (FVC) estimates of untrained subjects; and maximal respiratory pressures (PI and PE) correlated with FVC and VEF1s these athletes. Furthermore, it was observed that in the 50-meter test, the minimum number of breaths were associated with a higher inspiratory pressure and higher FVC increased diaphragm thickness in the lying position. The sprinters had a vital capacity and increased diaphragm thickness as compared to the middle and bottom runners. Significant differences were observed in the evaluation after the TMI: increased functional capacity (p ≤0,005); VEF1s increased (p = 0.019); and increased tidal volume (p ≤0,004). The IMT did not significantly alter the thickness of the diaphragm. Was also observed decrease in the number of breaths during the test 50m after IMT (p ≤ 0.002). Already at the time of trial, no differences were observed after training. Conclusion: The TMI seems to improve pulmonary function parameters, which was evidenced by the lower number of breaths during the performance test in the test of 50m of athletes submitted to TMI. The inspiratory fatigue (inspiratory metaboreflex) was not activated for 60% of the burden of MIP swimmers. Our findings suggest that diaphragm and accessory inspiratory muscles may be related to the improved performance of swimmers. Therefore, inspiratory muscle training, could be a useful ergogenic aid to be used in sports as important to be added in elite athletes training at periods of pre-competitive.

Aim The aim of this study is to form a descriptive picture of Swedish national elite (SNLE) swimmers blood glucose (BG) levels in relation to their nutritional intake.  - Do SNLE swimmers have BG level in a normal range of ≥3.9 mmol/L when measured during a six-day period? - Is there a relationship between the SNLE swimmers blood glucose levels and how often or when they eat, and how they perceive their workout effort? Method Four test subjects, three females and one male, were recruited based on their competitive level, National Championship qualifying cut, geographical location, in Stockholm, and amount of swimming workouts completed weekly, seven on average. The test subjects wore a Continuous Glucose Monitor for a week and in addition a brief meal journal and perceived effort (ranking) of each workout was recorded. The data gathered was analyzed based on three main variables; time spent LOW (blood glucose level below 3.9mmol/L), amount of meals, and ranking. Results This study found that three out of four test subjects had occurrences of a LOW during the week. The test subjects spent on average 1.75 ±1.26 days with a LOW, the average time spent with a LOW per day was 37.3 ±29.7 minutes, the average amount during the whole week was 224 ±177 minutes, and the percent of the whole week spent with a LOW was 2.59 ±0.02%. In addition to this a correlation was found between (total) time spent LOW and (total) amount of meals with an R-value of 0.99, an R2 of 0.979, and P-value of 0.044. Conclusions The results showed that three test subjects spent time with a LOW and indicates similar results should be found in the general population of SNLE swimmers, however, this is definitely in need of further research. The results also indicated that there is a relationship between the amount of meals ingested and the BG level over the full six-day period but not on a daily basis. A regression analysis between (total) time spent LOW and (total) number of meals showed correlations with statistical significance, however, there was too small of a data sample (N=4) to draw conclusions based from this. This study forms a descriptive picture of the situation, which could serve as a platform for further research in this field, and give a first glance at the possible potential use of CGM systems within the sports nutrition field.

This thesis explores the process of elite sport policy change in three sports (swimming, athletics and sailing/yachting) in Canada and the United Kingdom (UK). The nature of policy change is a complex and multi-faceted process and a primary aim of the study is to identify and analyse key sources of policy change in four elements of elite sport programming: i) the development of elite level facilities; ii) the emergence of 'full-time' swimmers, athletes and sailors; iii) the adoption of a more professional and scientific approach to coaching, sports science and sports medicine; and iv) competition opportunities and structures at the elite level. The study focuses on the meso-level of analysis, which centres on the structures and patterns of relationships in respect of three Canadian national sporting organisations (NSOs) and three UK national governing bodies of sport (NGBs) - representing the three sports cited above. The macro-level of analysis is also considered, where the primary concern is to analyse relations of power between governmenta nd quasi-governmentasl porting agenciesa nd the respective NSOs/NGBs. A case study approach is adopted, focusing on the six NSOs/NGBs, wherein a qualitative methodology is utilised in order to elicit data in respect of policy change in the four key elements of elite sport programming set out above. Within the case study approach, the advocacy coalition framework has proved useful in drawing attention to the notion of changing values and belief systems as a key source of policy change, as well as highlighting the need to take into account factors external to the policy subsystem under investigation. In Canada, it is evident that the preoccupation with high performance sport over the past 30 years, at federal government level, has perceptibly altered over the past two to three years. In contrast, in the UK, from the mid-1990s onwards, there has been a noticeable shift towards supporting elite sport objectives from both Conservative and Labour administrations. The study concludes that it is only by exploring specific sports through a comparative-analytic framework that a better understanding of policy change, within the complex and multi-layered sport policy process, might be achieved.

Background: Competitive swimming is a sport that require high muscle strength to overcome the forces in the water. A phenomenon called post activation potentiation (PAP) is known to acutely increase power output. PAP can be defined as an increase in muscle performance after muscle contraction. Previous research on PAP has shown positive effects on different sports, including swimming. However, a limited amount of studies exists on PAP associated with swimming and distances longer than 100 meters. Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate if PAP for triceps brachii and latissimus dorsi with elastic bands can improve the aerobic performance, V4-speed, of elite freestyle swimmers. Methods: 13 elite swimmers participated in this study (mean ±SD: age 18 ±1.15). The participants performed three test sessions on two different days. The first occasion evaluated aerobic performance, V4-speed, where the participants performed a 400-m freestyle swim race and lactate and time were collected. At the second occasion, a 10-repetition maximum (RM) elastic resistance band test was done to get the right resistance band for each individual participant for the PAP exercise. At the third occasion, a PAP exercise, that mimics freestyle swim, with elastic resistance band was performed with 10 repetitions in two sets. After, a rest of six minutes was performed and then the same 400-m freestyle swim test as the first occasion. A paired samples t-test was used to evaluate significant differences between the swim test performed with and without a PAP exercise. Results: The study showed no statistical difference between the V4-speed with or without PAP exercise (p=0.93). An increase in lactate was seen after the PAP exercise (p=0.02). Conclusion: This study could not ensure an improvement of the aerobic performance, V4-speed, of elite swimmers when a PAP exercise, similar to a freestyle stroke, was performed before a 400-m submaximal freestyle swim race with elastic resistance band. Further research must be done in this area before coaches and athletes can apply this in training programs.

This thesis seeks to analyse the policy making and policy implementation processes of elite sport in China and the UK, covering the period 1992-2012. Three sports are selected for detailed cases studies: artistic gymnastics, swimming and cycling. They represent a wide range of sports in two countries, based on their varying competiveness, weights and traditions. Key areas including organisational structure, financial support, talent identification and athlete development, coaching, training, competition opportunities, scientific research and others (including international influence and other sport- and country-specific areas) are identified to organise the discussion. The aim is not only to present key characteristics of the development of each sport in China and the UK respectively and to introduce the successful experience and problems but also to form a basis for the discussion of policy making, policy implementation and policy changes.

O esporte aquático em todas as modalidades requer combinação de força e eficiência, pois a água tem densidade maior que o ar, e o nadador de elite que tem jornada aquática intensa com movimentos repetitivos na locomoção e respiração pode apresentar modificação de função e forma das estruturas que compõem o organismo humano. Esta pesquisa avaliou a força de mordida molar máxima, atividade eletromiográfica, eficiência mastigatória e espessura dos músculos masseter e temporal de nadadores de elite que utilizaram variações de métodos respiratórios do nado crawl para o lado direito e esquerdo, e comparou os resultados com indivíduos sedentários. Participaram 18 indivíduos na faixa etária entre 15 e 25 anos que foram distribuídos em três grupos: sedentários/controles (GC; idade média: 15,00 ± 0,98 anos; n=6); atletas que realizaram respiração para o lado esquerdo no nado crawl (GE; idade média 17,00 ± 2,44 anos; n=6) e atletas que realizaram respiração para o lado direito no nado crawl (GD; idade média 21,00 ± 2,44 anos; n=6). O dinamômetro digital Kratos foi utilizado para determinar a força de mordida molar máxima. O eletromiógrafo MyoSystem BR1 foi utilizado para avaliar a atividade eletromiográfica em repouso mandibular, lateralidade direita, lateralidade esquerda, protrusão, apertamento dental em contração voluntária máxima, mastigação habitual e não habitual (eficiência mastigatória). Foi utilizado o ultrassom Sono Site Titan para mensurar a espessura muscular em repouso e apertamento dental em contração voluntária máxima. Os dados obtidos foram tabulados e submetidos à análise estatística (SPSS 21.0, ANOVA; p ≤ 0,05). GE e GD demonstraram menor atividade eletromiográfica nas condições posturais da mandíbula quando comparados a GC. Foi observado correto padrão funcional nos movimentos mandibulares nas diferentes avaliações clínicas, com diferença significante na lateralidade direita para o músculo temporal esquerdo (p=0,04). GD e GE apresentaram maior eficiência mastigatória em relação ao GC, com diferença significante para o músculo temporal esquerdo na mastigação com uva passa (p=0,004). Não ocorreram diferenças significantes nas médias da espessura muscular e força de mordida molar entre os nadadores de elite e indivíduos sedentários. Estes resultados sugerem que nadadores de elite que utilizaram o nado crawl com métodos respiratórios variados apresentaram alterações funcionais nos músculos masseter e temporal.
All modalities of water sports require a combination of strength and efficiency, as the water has a higher density than air, and the elites swimmer has an intense aquatic journey with repetitive movements in the locomotion and breathing may present a modification of the function and shape of the body structures. This study evaluated the molar bite force, electromyographic activity, masticatory efficiency and thickness of the masseter and temporal muscle of elites swimmers used changes in respiratory methods both in right and left for crawl modality and compared the results with sedentary individuals. 18 individuals, aged between 15 and 25 years, were divided into three groups: sedentary/control (average ± SD 15.00 ± 0.98 years, n = 6; CG), athletes underwent respiration to the left side in the crawl swim (average ± SD 17.00 ± 2.44 years, n = 6; LG) and athletes who underwent respiration to the right side in the crawl swim (average ± SD 21.00 ± 2.44 years, n = 6, RG). The Kratos digital dynamometer was used to determine the molar bite force. The MyoSystem BR1 electromyograph was used to evaluate the electromyographic activity at mandibular rest, right laterality, left laterality, protrusion, maximum voluntary contraction, habitual and non-habitual mastication (masticatory efficiency). Sono Site Titan ultrasound was used to measure muscle thickness at rest and dental tightening at maximum voluntary contraction. The data were tabulated and submitted to statistical analysis (SPSS 21.0, ANOVA; P ≤ 0.05). LG and RG demonstrated lower electromyographic activity in postural conditions of the mandible when compared to CG. The correct mandibular neuroanatomic movement was observed in almost all muscles, with a significant difference in right laterality for the left temporal muscle (P=0.04). RG and LG presented greater masticatory efficiency in relation to the CG, with a significant difference for the left temporal muscle in chewing with raisins (P=0.004). There were no significant differences in the average muscle thickness and molar bite force between elite swimmers and sedentary individuals. These results suggest that elites swimmers perform crawl swimming with varied respiratory methods had functional alterations in the masseter and temporal muscles.

A suplementação de creatina tem sido considerada importante estratégia ergogênica, uma vez que baixas concentrações musculares desse composto encontram-se entre as principais limitações para o desempenho em atividades de curta duração e alta intensidade. Porém, há controvérsias sobre os resultados obtidos por meio de tal estratégia, pois se acredita que indivíduos sedentários ou atletas amadores apresentariam melhores resultados quando comparados a atletas de elite. Os efeitos das suplementações aguda e crônica de creatina sobre o aumento da massa corporal magra também têm se tornado alvo de constantes investigações científicas, no intuito de se determinar o componente da massa magra responsável por esse incremento. Desta forma, os objetivos do presente trabalho foram avaliar o efeito da suplementação aguda de creatina (20,0 gramas/dia, durante 5 dias) sobre o desempenho em exercícios intermitentes de curta duração e a composição corporal de nadadores de elite (NE) e amadores (NA), bem como investigar a influência da suplementação crônica de creatina (5,0 gramas/dia, durante 45 dias) sobre a composição corporal dos NA. Para tanto, foram estudados 40 nadadores, sendo 22 de elite e 18 amadores, os quais foram subdivididos em grupos creatina (NECR e NACR) ou placebo (NEPL e NAPL). Após o período agudo de suplementação, foram observadas elevações significativas nas excreções urinárias de creatina (0,026 para 8,40; 0,024 para 12,40 gramas/dia) e creatinina (0,99 para 1,90; 1,85 para 2,50 gramas/dia) nos grupos NECR e NACR, respectivamente. Embora a suplementação aguda tenha promovido redução significativa do lactato sanguíneo em alguns momentos do teste de performance no grupo NACR, bem como declínio da amônia plasmática ao final do exercício nos grupos NECR e NACR, não houve melhora nos tempos de natação em nenhum grupo após a suplementação aguda. No que diz respeito à composição corporal houve aumento de água corporal na fase aguda, sem aumento de massa corporal protéica estimada (MCPE), nos NECR e NACR. No período crônico, o grupo NACR apresentou ganhos significativos de massa magra (900 gramas) e MCPE (200 gramas), enquanto o grupo NAPL apresentou reduções significativas nesses parâmetros (1400 gramas e 800 gramas, respectivamente). Tais resultados demonstraram que a suplementação de creatina não promoveu melhora aguda de desempenho em atividades de curta duração e alta intensidade, porém, cronicamente, preveniu perdas de massa magra e MCPE.
Effects of creatine supplementation in swimmers: a comparison of performance between elite and amateur swimmers, and body composition between acute and chronic supplementation protocols. Creatine supplementation has been considered an important ergogenic aid, a time that low muscular concentrations of this composition meet enter the main limitations for the performance in short duration and high intensity exercises. However, it has controversies on the results gotten by this strategy, therefore if it believes that sedentary individuais or amateur athletes would present better results when comparative the elite athlete. The effect of the acute and chronic creatine supplementation on the increase of the lean corporal mass also have become target of constant scientific inquiries, in the intention of determining the component of the lean mass responsible for this increment. Of this form, the objectives of the present study had been to evaluate the effect of the acute creatine supplementation (20,0 grams/day, during 5 days) on the performance in short duration intermittent exercises and on body composition of elite swimmers (ES) and amateur swimmers (AS), as well as investigating the influence of chronic creatine supplementation (5,0 grams/day, during 45 days) on body composition of the AS. For in such a way, 40 swimmers, being 22 of the elite and 18 amateur had been studied, which had been subdivided in creatine (CRES and CRAS) or placebo groups (PLES and PLAS). After the acute supplementation period, had been observed significant rises in urinary creatine (0,026 to 8,40; 0,024 to 12,40 grams/day) and urinary creatinine (0,99 to 1,90; 1,85 to 2,50 grams/day) in groups CRES and CRAS, respectively. Although the acute supplementation has promoted significant reduction of blood lactate at some moments of the intermittent test of performance in group CRAS, as well as decline of blood ammonia in the end of the test in CRES and CRAS groups, the acute supplementation did not have improvement in the speed of swimming in no group. In that it says respect to the body composition, was observed an increase in body water in the acute phase, without increment of estimate corporal protein (EPC), in CRES and CRAS. However, in the chronic period, CRAS group presented significant increase of lean body mass (900 grams) and EPC (200 grams), while group PLAS presented significant reductions in these parameters (1400 grams and 800 grams, respectively). Such results had demonstrated that creatine supplementation did not promote acute improvement of performance in intermittent short duration and high intensity performance, although creatine long-term maintenance prevented muscle wasting.

Syftet med studien är att undersöka före detta elitsatsande simmares upplevelse av idrottsgymnasium och förstå avslutsprocessen i att sluta med elitsatsningen. För att besvara detta baseras studien på tolv intervjuer med elitsatsande simmare som ingått i idrottsgymnasium men valt att hoppa av under gymnasietiden eller inom två år efter examen. Vidare analyseras detta med hjälp av två teoretiska ramverk, Ebaughs beslutsprocess och push/pull/anti-push/anti-pull-modellen. Resultatet visar att simmarnas upplevelse av idrottsgymnasiet är unik. Vidare lyfts att avslutsprocessen påbörjas av orsaker som tränarbyte, sociala anledningar utanför idrotten, pandemin covid-19 och minskad entusiasm. Simmarna sökte sig under den tiden till långsiktiga alternativ genom fortsatta studier eller arbete. Beslutet till avhoppet framkommer därefter som mångfasetterad och komplext där en till sju olika faktorer sammantaget utgör beslutet. Bland dessa faktorer återfinns: missnöje med tränare; utebliven utveckling; prestationsångest; tidskrävande; sociala anledningar inom idrotten; ohälsa; ekonomisk brist i idrotten; minskad motivation; sociala anledningar utanför idrotten; andra prioriteringar. Efter avhoppet upplever simmarna en identitetskris varpå det var lättare att hantera den med ett fokus utöver idrotten samt ett planerat avhopp. Genom studien betonas en helhetssyn på den idrottande individen, gemenskapen och tränarens roll som värdefulla i avslutsprocessen.
The aim of this study is to examine former elite swimmers experience of sports high school and understand the process of drop-out from the elite sport. To answer this question the study gathered data from twelve interviews with elite swimmers who were part of a sports high school but chose to drop out during high school or within two years after graduation. Furthermore, this is analyzed using two theoretical frameworks, Ebaugh's decision-making process and the push/pull/anti-push/anti-pull model. The results show that the swimmers experience of the sports high school is unique. Furthermore, it is emphasized that the decision-making process is started for reasons such as a change of coach, social reasons outside of sports, the pandemic covid-19 and reduced enthusiasm. During that time, the swimmers sought long-term alternatives through further studies or work. The decision to drop out then appears to be multifaceted and complex, with one to seven different factors together constituting the decision. These factors include: dissatisfaction with coaches; lack of development; performance anxiety; time consuming; social reasons in sport; illness; economic shortage in sports; decreased motivation; social reasons outside of sports; other priorities. After the dropout, the swimmers experience an identity crisis, whereupon it was easier to handle it with a focus outside of swimming and a planned drop-out. The study emphasizes a holistic view of the individual athlete, the community and the role of the coaches as valuable in the process of the decision.

Exercise intensity and its distribution is probably the most important and most heavily debated variable of endurance training. Training induces adaptation but also induces stress responses. Controlling the training-intensity distribution may provide a mechanism for balancing these two effects. It has been reported that elite endurance athletes train with a high volume and load, relative to the sport. These athletes spend the vast majority (>80%) of training time at relatively low intensities (lower than the lactate threshold, zone one), and therefore <20% of training time above the lactate threshold (zones two and three). Experimental studies support the beneficial effects of a high training volume in zone one, and show detrimental effects of replacing zone one training with training in zone two. This is likely due to enhanced recovery from training in zone one compared with training in zone two. The acute recovery following training sessions in zones two and three has been reported to not be different, but the recovery following training in zone one has been reported to be faster. Improvements in physiological adaptation and endurance performance have been reported to be greater following training programmes with higher exercise intensities. Therefore, it has been suggested that a polarised training model, which includes ~80% of training in zone one with ~20% of training in zone three is more beneficial than a threshold training model, with the majority of training in zone two. However, research into an optimal training-intensity distribution is limited. Therefore, the aims of this thesis were to assess the effectiveness of training-intensity distribution on the improvements in physiological adaptation, endurance performance and assess if manipulating training-intensity distribution had an effect on immune function. Study one revealed that the lactate threshold, the lactate turnpoint and maximal performance measures in swimming, cycling and running, assessed using the methods outlined in the study, are reproducible in trained endurance athletes. These tests can therefore be used by trained endurance athletes as part of a physiological testing programme to assess not only endurance performance, but also to demarcate training intensity zones for exercise intensity prescription and monitor moderate to large adaptations to training. Practitioners should take care when deciding on the duration between tests to test for adaptations from training, as adaptations need to be greater than these detected test-retest variations to be considered physiologically meaningful. To the best of the author’s knowledge, study two was the first study to have assessed training-intensity distribution in a group of multisport athletes. Training was monitored over a 6-month period, and testing took place every two months to assess the effect of the training on physiological adaptation. Although speculative due to the number of variables involved, the results suggest that a greater proportion of training time spent in zone one and a lower proportion of training time spent in zone two is beneficial to physiological adaptation. However, given the number of variables associated with assessing the training-intensity distribution in multisport athletes, it is not easy to draw conclusions as to the effectiveness of the training in the different disciplines on the key measures of adaptation in the different disciplines. Study two highlighted the need for future research to focus on experimental manipulation of training-intensity distribution and thus improve our understanding of its impact on the training-induced adaptations in endurance athletes. Study three manipulated the training-intensity distribution in trained endurance athletes in just one discipline, to reduce the number of variables involved. A polarised training model was compared to a threshold training model on the effectiveness to improve physiological adaptation and endurance performance. Results revealed that a polarised training model is recommended for trained cyclists wishing to maximally improve performance and physiological adaptation over a short-term (six week) training period. The first part of study four assessed the effect of a polarised and a threshold training model on immune function markers in trained cyclists. Both endurance training programmes had similar volume, and were sufficient to induce improvements in performance and physiological adaptation. However, despite likely differences in recovery, both training programmes had no effect on the proportion of low or high differentiated or senescent CD8+ or CD4+ T-cells in blood. Therefore, training adaptation was achieved at no cost to this particular aspect of immune function. From these results and evidence from previous studies, it seems likely that athletes need to be overreached to induce any change in immune function following a period of intensified training. The second part of study four assessed the impact of an ironman triathlon race on Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Varicella-Zoster virus (VZV) antibody titres and the frequency of low and high differentiated and senescent blood T-cells in trained endurance athletes. Previous work has revealed that an ironman triathlon race increases the proportion of senescent CD4+ T cells and decreases the proportion of naive CD4+ T cells, and thus induces changes the immune space which could leave an individual at a greater risk of infection. This study however, did not find any changes in the proportions of these T cell subsets following an ironman triathlon race. The mean results of this study suggest that there is no relationship between EBV and VZV-specific antibody concentrations and the proportion of senescent, low and highly differientiated T cells. However, on analysis of individual subject data, it seems possible that subjects with a high antibody titre for EBV or VZV 3 wks before a competition might be more at risk of infection post race. A greater subject number would be needed in order to make a more conclusive statement about this relationship. The results of this thesis suggest that future research is required in the area of training-intensity distribution. Firstly, our understanding of the physiological mechanisms responsible for the effectiveness of a polarised training model in trained endurance athletes is limited, and thus studies should attempt to address this issue. Our current knowledge on the mechanisms underlying a blunted T cell response following strenous exercise is also limited. A change in the immune space to a greater proportion of senescent T cells and a lower proportion of naive T cells might contribute to this blunted response. In the current thesis however, the proportions of these T cell markers were unchanged following the training/racing interventions. It is possible that with a higher training load, there could be changes in these markers, and thus this is an exciting area that could have potential implications on athlete health. Finally, testing for antibody titres in endurance athletes is possibly an avenue to detect individuals at the greatest risk of infection if subjected to a large physical and/or mental stress. This could have implications on maintaining athlete health and therefore, allowing athletes to train consistently.

碩士
國立中正大學
運動與休閒教育研究所
101
The main purpose of this study was to explore the leadership behaviors and their influential factors of the elite swimming coaches in high school. Based on the qualitative methods, thirteen experienced and elite swimming coaches in high school of national A-level coaching qualifications and medalists in international or national competition were interviewed by judgment sampling and using semi-structured interview, documents analysis, and participation observation. All of the data were rearranged, induced, compared, and analyzed by open coding, axial coding, and selective coding. The results showed the leadership behaviors included training and teaching behaviors, social support behaviors, management behaviors, appreciative behaviors, and communication behaviors. The concepts of training and teaching behaviors included guiding principles, training methods, and individual guidance; The concepts of social support behaviors included psychological counseling, tutoring and life care; The concepts of management behaviors included the attitude of obedience, life management, and fair manner; The concepts of appreciative behaviors included spiritual encouragement, real encouragement, and establishment of behavior and attitude; The concepts of communication behaviors included two-way interaction, feedback and suggestions, and reflective thinking. In addition, the factors that impact the leadership behaviors of outstanding high school swimming coaches included training bottleneck, schools and parents support, training resources and coaches’ condition. The swimming coaches in high school need to emphasize and strengthen their training and teaching behaviors, social support behaviors, management behaviors, appreciative behaviors and communication behaviors in order to promote their leaderships. The results of this study will contribute as a reference in order to nurture more top swimmers, coaches and upgrading the professional ability of local full-time swimming coaches in the future, and thus enhance the skills of the coach's professional training and training effectiveness of elite swimmers.

碩士
國立臺北教育大學
體育學系碩士班
103
The research is a case study of four elite swimming athlete students whose career development experiences were investigated by semi-structured interviews regarding their situations to enter higher education and the job market; subsequently, the career development in their specialty was further discussed, which is expected to be a reference for athlete students to know how self-career development could be planned successfully and what roles parents, schools and governments could play. It is expected to improve athletes’ predicaments in career development, to encourage more outstanding athletes to assuredly devote into the athletic field, to create a bright and prosperous life and also to establish a good foundation of national power for our country. Four results are shown in this research. First, in the aspect of career development, the four elite swimming athlete students were motivated in elementary school and were greatly influenced by someone important to them. Second, in the aspect of career planning, the influence factors include the goal level of athletes, choices to higher education and others. Third, in the aspect of career conversion, three dimensions are concluded, including the timing, role adaptation and life and the influence of athlete experiences. Forth, in the aspect of ideas and suggestions for athlete career development, two dimensions are concluded. One is that the government could make comprehensive regulations for facilitating admission to higher education for outstanding athlete student at high school level and above, release job vacancies from government organizations, and combine with social enterprises. The other one is that the athlete could find ambition to make successful career planning, own self- affirmation to transform the previous experience into future nutrition, maintain academic ability to enrich personal professional knowledge, strengthen language competence to develop international outlooks.

Tese de Doutoramento em Ciências do Desporto
Nas últimas décadas a investigação em natação centrou-se fortemente nos fatores bioenergéticos e biomecânicos tomando-os como principais preditores do rendimento. No entanto, a maioria dos estudos sobre a temática apresenta um caráter transversal, não tendo em consideração o fenómeno da mudança como um processo natural devido ao treino. Foi objetivo da presente tese caracterizar as mudanças no perfil bioenergético, biomecânico e na performance de nadadores de elite, compreendendo as relações estabelecidas entre estes dominios numa perspetiva longitudinal. Esta dissertação divide-se em seis estudos indepedentes que foram realizados com esse propósito. O primeiro estudo centrou-se num processo de revisão sitemática com o intuito de consolidar as evidências práticas dos estudos baseados na temática já publicados. O dois estudos seguintes recorreram a uma análise retrospectiva da performance, de modo a intepretar a sua progressão desde a idade jovem até à idade adulta e ao longo de um ciclo Olímpico. Os três estudos finais de caráter experimental objetivaram determinar o efeito do treino anual no perfil bioenergético e biomecânico, tentando determinar os fatores que mais e melhor contribuiram para a melhoria da performance. As conclusões que advêm do presente trabalho são as seguintes: (i) os poucos estudos longitudinais existentes no domínio da natação apresentam reduzidos índices de qualidade; (ii) os tempos na prova de livres demonstraram uma tendência para começar a estabilizar a partir dos 16 anos de idade; (iii) a performance na terceira época do ciclo Olímpico é determinante dada a elevada estabilidade que é posteriormente demonstrada nos tempos de prova até ao ano Olimpico; (iv) nadadores de elite apenas foram capazes de evidenciar mudanças ténues no seu perfil bioenergético, biomecânico e na performance pelo menos durante dois anos; (v) a magnitude dessa ligeira mudança foi depedennte do tempo de duração do estudo, do tipo de treino efetuado e do nível competitivo do nadador; (vi) cada nadador demonstrou um perfil de adaptação individualizado em resposta ao treino e; (vii) o aumento da capacidade aeróbia e o aperfeiçoamento dos indicadores cinemáticos da braçada, nomedamente na distância de ciclo e frequência gestual, foram os fatores que mais contribuiram para uma melhoria no tempo de 200 m crol em condições de competição. Deste modo podemos concluir que existe uma forma individualizada na maneira como nadadores de elite demonstram pequenas melhorias no perfil bioenergético, biomecânico e na peformance.
In the last couple of decades, research in competitive swimming has given special emphasis to energetic and biomechanical assessment as determinant domains to enhance performance. However, the majority of the studies conducted in this field had a cross-sectional approach, not considering the effect of annual training in the changing process. Thus, the aim of this thesis was to characterize the adaptations in elite swimmers performance, energetic and biomechanical profiles, and understand the relationship established between these domains in a longitudinal perspective. With that purpose, this work is divided in to six independent studies. The first study was based in a systematic review that consolidated the practical findings from the studies that previously published about this thematic. The purpose of the following two papers was to understand the performance progression from childhood to adulthood and during an Olympic Cycle, by conducting a retrospective analysis of the elite swimmers annual best performances. The remaining three experimental studies aimed to verify the effect of the annual training on the energetic and biomechanical profiles and determine the factors that most contributed for the performance enhancement. The main conclusions drawn were: (i) the few existing longitudinal studies in swimming science present low quality scores; (ii) sixteen years-old is the age at which the ability to predict adult performance increases markedly; (iii) high stabilization in freestyle performances was evident at the third season of an Olympic cycle; (iv) elite swimmers only demonstrated slight changes in their performance, energetic and biomechanical profiles at least throughout two seasons; (v) the magnitude of change was dependent on the duration of the intervention, type of training done and competitive level; (vi) each swimmer demonstrated a different changing profile in response to the training load applied and; (vii) the aerobic capacity and the stroke kinematic factors, namely in the stroke length and stroke frequency, were the factors that most contributed for the 200 m freestyle performance enhancement. As main conclusion it can be stated that elite swimmers present an individual way in demonstrating slight adaptations in their performance, energetic and biomechanical profiles.
The present thesis was supported by Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation (FCT) grant SFRH/BD/62005/2009 under the Human Potential Operating Program, supported by the European Social Found (ESF).

The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of including a dryland activation during a 30-minute transition phase time between pool warm-up and competition on elite swimming performance. Previous research has shown the benefits of shorter transition times, or transition times that include dryland activation, improve swimming performance. Nine elite swimmers from the High-Performance Centre Victoria, 2 males and 7 females (18.7 ± 4.3 yrs), completed two testing sessions separated by one week, consisting of a 30-minute traditional (TRAD) or dryland (DL) transition phase followed by a 200-metre time-trial (TT). The swimmers swam the TT in their primary 200m event. Both transition phases were identical through the first 20-minutes but for the next 10 minutes, swimmers either sat quietly for 10 minutes (TRAD) or completed a 5-minute dryland activation 5 minutes pre-TT (DL). The dryland activation consisted of 2 sets of 40 seconds of jumping jacks and 6 explosive burpees completed self-paced but within a 5 minute time limit. Core temperature (Tcore) and Heart Rate (HR) were measured throughout the entire testing sessions. TT performance was significantly faster (p < .010) following DL (130.61 ± 10.46 secs) compared to TRAD (131.71 ± 11.08secs), an improvement of 0.84%. The third 50m split was also significantly faster (p < 0.18) following DL (34.83 ± 4.28secs) compared to TRAD (35.47 ± 4.47secs). Heart rate was significantly elevated following the dryland activation compared to the same time in TRAD (134 ± 22 vs. 84 ± 13bpm, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in Tcore between the two transition phase conditions. The results from this research support the inclusion of a dryland activation during the transition phase of elite swimming competitions. As the smallest of differences can influence final placing at international level swimming competitions, the small gains found in the present study may have considerable implications for optimal swimming performance.
Graduate

Dissertação de Mestrado em Exercício e Saúde em Populações Especiais apresentada à Faculdade de Ciências do Desporto e Educação Física
Background: Synchronization model in breaststroke has been studied in elite swimmers for thepast years, but a gap is around adapted swim and coordination in different types of disability.Objective: The aim of this review was to identify and synthesise the most significant literatureabout synchronization model in breaststroke on elite athletes of swimming and adapted swim.Methods: We performed a systematic review of Web of ScienceTM Core Collection, Pubmed andScielo databases according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews andMeta-analyses) guidelines. The following keywords were used: “swim*” and “breaststroke”.Each word was associated with the terms “synchronization model”, “sync*” and “elite athlete”. Inanother search were used the words “adapted swim” and “breaststroke”, other “breaststroke” and“coordination” and (“leg” or “arm” or “propulsion” or “recovery”). Finally, the keywords“handicapped” and “swimming”. The selection was for the original articles in English containingrelevant data about breaststroke, elite athletes in swimming and adapted swim and coordination inbreaststroke.Results: The search returned 324 records. After seeing duplication, 262 articles remain (wewithdrew 62) and then screening against set criteria, was done. In the end, 24 papers wereselected this systematic review. The most common topics of analysis were about breaststroke,elite athletes in swimming and adapted swim and coordination in breaststroke.Conclusions: For different factors, breaststroke shows a complete and complex synchronizationmodel that can be different in athletes with or without disabilities.The limitations detected in the review studies suggest that future research should includebreaststroke coordination in people with distinct disabilities.
Fundo: O modelo de sincronização no nado de bruços tem vindo a ser estudado em atletas de elitenos últimos anos, mas existe uma lacuna acerca da natação adaptada e coordenação em diferentestipos de deficiência.Objetivo: O objetivo desta revisão sistemática foi identificar e sintetizar a literatura maissignificativa sobre o modelo de sincronização no nado de bruços em atletas de elite na nataçãopura e adaptada.Métodos: Esta revisão sistemática teve como ponto de partida as bases de dados Web ofScienceTM Core Collection, Pubmed e Scielo de acordo com as diretrizes PRISMA (PreferredReporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses). As seguintes palavras-chave foramusadas: “swim*” and “breaststroke”. Cada palavra foi associada aos termos “synchronizationmodel”, “sync*” e “elite athlete”. Noutra pesquisa foram usadas as palavras “adapted swim” and“breaststroke”, outra “breaststroke” and “coordination” and (“leg” or “arm” or “propulsion” or“recovery”). Finalmente, as palavras-chave “handicapped” and “swimming”. A seleção dosartigos teve como base os originais escritos em Inglês que continham dados relevantes sobrebruços, atletas de elite na natação pura e adaptada e coordenação no nado de bruços.Resultados: A pesquisa resultou em 324 artigos. Depois de eliminar os duplicados, 262 artigospermaneceram (62 foram eliminados). Após uma nova triagem referente aos critérios definidos,38 artigos foram totalmente lidos. No final, 24 artigos fizeram parte desta revisão sistemática. Ostópicos de analise mais comuns foram acerca de bruços, atletas de elite na natação pura eadaptada e coordenação no nado de bruços.Conclusões: Para diferentes fatores, bruços mostro um completo e complexo modela desincronização que pode diferir em atletas com ou sem deficiência.As limitações observadas nos artigos analisado sugere para o futuro pesquisa que possa serelaborada incluindo a coordenação no nado de bruços em pessoas com diferentes tipos dedeficiência.

碩士
國立體育大學
競技與教練科學研究所
103
The International Swimming Federation has approved a starting block equipped with a back plate for use in swimming competitions from 2009. Due to the recent approval, swimmers are modifying their start techniques to be able to maximize performance from the new swimming start block. Most internal studies are focus on the old swimmimg start block, the new swimming start block has not been investigated. The purpose of this study was to analysis of elite swimmer using the new swimming start block in kinematics, and compare to the. A internal 50 meter freestyle record holder participated voluntarily in the study. Using digital video cameras to collect images of starts parameters simultaneously. Kwon 3D 3.1 Motion System was used to analyze data. The outcome of the kinematic was compared to Tor(2014). The results of this study were showen and discussed in four aspects. (1) For the block phase of kinematics parameters, there were no significant differences between these two studies in block time. But the horizontal velocity at take-off of Tor(2014) was significantly higher than this study. (2) For the flight phase of kinematics parameters, the flight time of this study was longer than Tor(2014), and the entry distance was farer too. But the entry velocity and angle of entry in this study were significantly lower than Tor(2014). (3) For the underwater phase of kinematics parameters, the time to 15 meter of this study was shorter than Tor(2014). (4) The block time and take-off velocity were the key parameters that contribute to overall start performance using the kick-start technique. Although the flight phase didn’t affect the start performance well, swimmers should focus on increasing both of the flight distance and entry velocity.

碩士
中國文化大學
運動教練研究所
96
The subjects of this study were three coaches (Track and Field, Judo, Swimming) who ever acquired international competitive rewards. We interviewed and studied with the subjects by qualitative research. The purposes of this study were to explore the relative questions and suggestions about the leadership behavior of the coach, values, the leader moldes, team coherence and the progress of leading a team. The results were as follow: 1.The leadership behavior of the coach: They used “direct contact” teaching way, and used extracurricular relaxation time to communicate with athletes by “bidirectional communication enlightening type”. The coaches also “sincerely” treated the athletes to study together. The leadership type was “mixed style and democracy style”. The qualities of the coaches were” reasonable principle; sets an example; pay with all”. The other qualities of the coaches were” patience; spatial direction feeling; the ability of directing”. 2.The values: Besides exercise skill promotion, the primary goal was to teach athletes to develop perfect moral behavior and personal integrity. The reasons why the coaches enjoyed with the job were to “pursue breaks through the self- limit”, “supports athletes striving to improve” and to “encourage athletes to develop the body and mind perfectly”. 3.The leader modes: The coaches thought that they needed to understand the difference between the individuals firstly, and then they could “refer to the domestic and foreign accomplishments”. The coaches let athletes understand the contents and goals of the curriculum. They also thought that exercise sciences were useful. 4.Team coherence: They wanted to develop the “competitions between the athletes” and learn “language expression ability” directly. In other words, they wanted to develop “kindhearted interpersonal relationship” and cooperation indirectly. They hoped athletes to understand the importance of “team coherence”. The coaches arranged one or two opportunities to train at the difference place during a period at winter vacation or summer vacation. 5.The progress of leading a team: The coaches needed more “patience, containment and tolerance” to treat visually disabled athletes. Because of the “influence of the bad environment”, the athletes became a tool of politics or administrative organization. These following problems were the results, including: “funds and human resources question” when the training or competition; “no normal places and education system to help the visually disabled athletes to study”; and “the job security problems of the athletes and coaches”.

Warming-up before training or competition has become one of the most interesting topics in sport sciences in the last years. The technical and scientific community has been aware of the key role of warm up in swimming performance and the deepening of the knowledge on this subject is presented as an asset to optimize training and competition performance. Thus, the purpose of this work was to analyze the effects of warm-up on 100 m freestyle swimming performance in high-level swimmers. In addition, we intended to verify the effects of different volumes, intensities and post warm-up recovery times, by measuring the performance, and the biomechanical, physiological and psychophysiological responses of the swimmers. For the accomplishment of these purposes the following sequence was used: (i) reviewing the available literature; (ii) comparing the warm-up and no warm-up condition on 100 m freestyle; (iii) assessing three different volumes of warm-up, with the same intensity, and their effects on 100 m freestyle; (iv) analyzing two different intensities (race-pace vs. aerobic stimulation) on the 100 m race; (v) comparing two different post warm-up periods on the 100 m freestyle. The main conclusions drawn were (i) there is a limited research on warm-up and its structure in swimming; (ii) the warm-up improved swimming performance on 100 m freestyle race; (iii) the volume of warm-up should be up to 1200 m, with the risk of impaired performances with longer warm-ups; (iv) the stimulation of aerobic metabolism during warm-up is a reliable alternative to traditional race-pace; (v) the positive effects of warm-up, as increased core temperature, oxygen uptake, and heart rate are reduced over time and warm-up should be performed close to the race; (vi) different biomechanical patterns were used in response to the different warm-ups and these protocols could be used according to race strategy. In addition, it can be stated that high-level swimmers presented an individual adaptation to each warm-up design. Our results give clear remarks about the effects of volume, intensity and recovery periods and main physiological and biomechanical changes. These findings can be used by coaches and researches as a source for development of individual approaches or/and for further investigations.
O aquecimento antes do treino e da competição tem-se tornado um dos tópicos mais interessantes de investigação em Ciências do Desporto nos últimos anos. A comunidade técnica e científica está consciente do papel fundamental do aquecimento no rendimento em natação e o aprofundar do seu conhecimento é apresentado enquanto um trunfo para otimizar a performance de nado. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar os efeitos do aquecimento na prova de 100 m livres em nadadores de elevado nível. Pretendemos analisar os efeitos da utilização de diferentes volumes, intensidades e períodos de recuperação pós aquecimento, através da avaliação da performance e de variáveis biomecânicas, fisiológicas e psicofisiológicas. Para tal, foram adotados os seguintes passos: (i) revisão da literatura; (ii) comparação entre a realização ou não de aquecimento antes dos 100 m livres; (iii) avaliação de três diferentes volumes de aquecimento, com a mesma intensidade, e os seus efeitos nos 100 m livres; (iv) análise da influência de duas intensidades de aquecimento (ritmo de prova vs. estimulação aeróbia) nos 100 m livres; (v) comparação de dois diferentes intervalos de recuperação após o aquecimento. As principais conclusões que advêm do trabalho são as seguintes: (i) existe pouca literatura e conhecimento limitado acerca dos efeitos do aquecimento e da sua estrutura em natação; (ii) o aquecimento é benéfico para os 100 m livres; (iii) um volume de aquecimento até aos 1200 m parece ser o mais apropriado para a otimização dos 100 m livres, sendo que maiores volumes podem comprometer a performance; (iv) a estimulação aeróbia durante o aquecimento é uma alternativa viável ao ritmo de prova tradicional; (v) os efeitos positivos do aquecimento, como a temperatura, a frequência cardíaca e o consumo de oxigénio, diminuem ao longo do tempo e o aquecimento deve ser realizado o mais próximo possível da prova; (vi) existem diferentes respostas biomecânicas às diferences condições testadas, informação que poderá ser útil para preparar a estratégia de prova. É ainda de referir que os nadadores de elevado nível apresentam adaptações individuais em função de cada aquecimento. Os efeitos do volume, intensidade e intervalos entre o aquecimento e a prova, assim como as principais adaptações fisiológicas e biomecânicas, podem ser utilizados por treinadores e investigadores para desenvolvimento de abordagens individualizadas e investigações futuras.

The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of using intermittent hand cooling during high intensity, intermittent training on measures of thermoregulatory, performance and psychophysical variables in elite level swimmers in warm pools (30.50.5°C). Following a standard warm-up, ten male swimmers (20.3±3.2 yrs) were instructed to maintain the fastest average 100m time for an 8x 100m freestyle swimming set separated in a cool pool (CP), warm pool with cooling (WPC), and warm pool with no-cooling (WPNC). Time at 50m and 100m, core temperature (Tc), and heart rate (HR), as well as the rate of perceived exertion (RPE), thermal comfort (ThC) and thermal sensation (ThS) were recorded following each repetition. Participants were cooled during the 90 second rest interval between repetitions using the Rapid Thermal Exchange (RTX) [AVAcore Technologies Inc., Ann Arbor, MI]. There was a significant increase in performance when comparing the second 50m split time (1.16 ± 1.58s ) and 100m time (1.50 ± 1.98s) for the final repetition in the WPC condition compared to the final repetition in the WPNC condition (p<0.05). FIR, ThC and ThS were lower in the CP condition than the WPC and WPNC conditions (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in Tc and RPE between conditions. It was concluded that the results may be due to a placebo effect and at this time there appears no physiological or psychophysical advantage in using the RTX during high intensity, intermittent training of elite swimmers.

碩士
國立臺灣師範大學
運動休閒與餐旅管理研究所
104
South Korea attended international swimming games for the first time in 1958 Tokyo Asian Games. In 1970 Bangkok Asian Games, South Korea won its first gold medal in swimming. Since then, elite swimming in South Korea has been developing quite fast, which can be demonstrated by Park Tae-Hwan’ swimming the first Olympic gold medal in 2008 for South Korea. The analysis of this study is based on the nine key factors of the success in elite sport of the west by De Bosscher et al (2006)., Semi-constructed interview and content analysis were conducted in order to investigate South Korea’s elite swimming development and the strategies behind. The result of this study is as follows. Although South Korea’s elite swimming development strategies have covered the nine key factors of elite sport success, certain problems still exist, such as lack of fund from the government, low willingness of athletes to stay in National Training Center due to the deficiency in the selection system, negligence on international games due to the over-concentration on domestic games for fulltime athletes, and difficulties for retired athletes to apply for government subsidy. The reasons above all have affected South Korea’s elite swimming performance. In order to elevate the national team’s capability, it is suggested that improvements for the future development of South Korea’s elite swimming should be made starting from aspects untouched before. Four suggestions accordingly are as follows. First, the funding portions for elite swimming development should be reallocated. Second, more attention should be paid to the career planning for retired athletes. Third, the funding for National Training Center can be shared with the training and other expenses for coaches and athletes to join competitions abroad. Forth, the National Training Center can be opened during summer and winter vacation for training.