Interval Training Effects on Cardiorespiratory Capacity of Swimmers

Abstract

Introduction: Cardiopulmonary function is directly related to the body's ability to perform metabolism under aerobic conditions. It is a key characteristic for the training of professional swimmers. It is believed that adding interval training to traditional workouts may contribute to the aerobic endurance of these athletes. Objective: Evaluate the interval training effects on the cardiorespiratory capacity of swimmers. Methods: Twenty volunteer swimmers were randomly divided into two groups for seven weeks. There were 4 hours of class per week, totaling 28 hours of training. In the formal training stage, the experimental group performed intermediate-intensity training, while the control group continued to perform traditional swim team training. The experimental indicators pertinent to the evaluated athletes were collected, tested, and analyzed before and after the experiment. Results: The VO2 of the athletes in the experimental group increased from 3.90±0.67L/min before the experiment to 4.06±0.73L/min after the experiment; VE increased from 156.08±35.76L before the experiment to 180.08±39.42L after the experiment; underwater endurance time increased from 46.80±8.43s before the experiment to 55.49±7.60s after the experiment. Conclusion: Intermittent training improves athletes' physical fitness and sports capacity, being an effective method to improve cardiopulmonary function. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.