Adaptation of maximal aerobic and anaerobic tests for disabled swimmers

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to submit disabled swimmers to two maximal swimming tests, and by comparing the physiological and performance responses of disabled and normal swimmers to determine if these adapted tests can be used to design training programmes for this particular class of swimmer. Two groups of disabled (n = 8 and 6) and two groups of normal competitive swimmers (n = 9 and 13) were respectively submitted to a functional maximal aerobic power test (FMAPT) and a maximal anaerobic lactic test (MANLT). For the disabled, the FMAPT included a slower initial speed and a slower increase in swimming speeds. In the maximal aerobic test, exercise duration, peak heart rate, and the maximal speed relative to the respective best time of a 100-m race [55.5 (SD 3.9) compared to 56.5 (SD 2.8)%] were not significantly different between the disabled and normal swimmers. Peak lactate concentration was, however, higher in the disabled swimmers [10.8 (SD 3.5) compared to 6.8 (SD 1.6)mmol.l-1]. In the MNALT, peak lactate concentration [14.3 (SD 4) compared to 16.8 (SD 1.9)mmol.l-1], and the maximal speed relative to the respective best time in a 100-m race [99.1 (SD 3.2) compared to 98.3 (SD 2.5)%] were not significantly different between the disabled and normal swimmers. These results would seem to indicate that functional maximal aerobic and anaerobic field tests could be used to evaluate and design training programmes for disabled competitive swimmers.

Intracyclic Velocity Variations and Arm Coordination During Exhaustive Exercise in Front Crawl Stroke

“…The swimmers were really invested in the protocol in relation to the mean blood lactate concentration (9.42 ± 2.69 mmol • L -1 ) and the evolution of stroking parameters which were in accordance with those previous results [6,9,10,20,21,28,29]. Indeed, between the first and the last 50 m, V and SL decreased by 12.5 ± 5.2 % and 7.0 ± 6.2 %, respectively.…”

“…As in the other cyclical activities [5], swimmers have to find the optimal compromise between SR and SL to attain and maintain the maximal velocity required during a race. Numerous studies have been carried out to observe and understand the evolution of this "SL × SR" model during competitive events [4,6,9,10,20,21]. Throughout the race, V and SL decrease whereas SR remains constant and slightly increases at the end of the race, as fatigue develops [6, 9,10,12,14 -16, 24].…”

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

“…The first aspect is to increase the chance of a faster adaptation to the level of physical activity during swimming training (Costill et al, 1991;Pelayo, 1995). One example is a swimming speed within pre-designated zones which determine the intensity of the training exercise.…”

An Evaluation of the Usefulness of Stroke Index Values in the Swimming Training of People with Disabilities

“…Sport Tourism 2016, 23,[140][141][142][143][144] disabilities and studies related to the biomechanical aspects of swimming present coaches and swimmers with new opportunities of finding hidden reserves. It seems reasonable, however, that aspects of the physiology of effort as well as the biomechanics of swimming should be addressed at the same time [3,7,8].…”

“…It was noted that an increase in swimming speed is possible by increasing the number of cycles performed and shortening the distance swum in one cycle. The best swimmers are able to control and vary these parameters [2,8,11,12,13].…”