Periodization of altitude training: A collective case study of high-level swimmers

Abstract

The objective was to quantify parallel changes in performance and physiological measures in relation to periodization of sequential altitude training over a season in elite swimmers. The altitude training of four female and two male international swimmers in selected seasons was examined using a collective case study approach. All swimmers were a medalist in World (WC) and/or European Championships (EC) 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2018 in short or long course competition. A traditional periodization model was employed using three macrocycles with 3–4 altitude camps (duration 21–24 days each) scheduled over the season, following a polarized training intensity distribution (TID) with a volume ranged between 729 km and 862 km. The timing of return from altitude prior to competition was between 20–32 days, with 28 days the most common period. Competition performance was assessed with major (international) and minor (regional or national) competitions. Hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, anthropometric characteristics, were measured before and after each camp. Competition performance following the altitude training camps improved by 0.6% ± 0.8% (personal best time; mean ± SD) (95% confidence limits (CL) 0.1%–1.1%), 1.6% ± 0.7% (95% CL 1.2% to 2.0%) (season best time) and 1.6% ± 0.5% (95% CL 1.3%–1.9%) (previous season time). Hemoglobin concentration increased 4.9% from pre-to post-altitude training camps, while hematocrit increased by 4.5%. The sum of six skinfolds reduced by 14.4% (95% CL 18.8%–9.9%) and 4.2% (95% CL 2.4%–9.2%) for the two males (EC), and by 15.8% (95% CL 19.5%–12.0%) for two females (WC). Three to four altitude training camps in a competitive season, around 21–24 days of duration, scheduling the last return between 20–32 days before the main competition, integrated in a traditional periodized sequence, can induce worthwhile improvements in international swimming performance, hematological parameters, and anthropometric characteristics.

Countermovement-Jump and Pull-Up Performance Before and After a Swimming Race in Preparatory and Competitive Phases of a Swimming Season

“…Intensities Z1, Z2, and Z3 represented swimming speeds below (~ 2 mmol•l -1 ), equal to (~ 4 mmol•l -1 ), and slightly above (~ 6 mmol•l -1 ) the onset of blood lactate accumulation, respectively. High-intensity swimming that elicits blood lactate levels of ~10 mmol•l -1 was defined as intensity Z4 and maximal intensity swimming as intensity Z5 19 . Dryland sessions are included as a part of the preparation involving resistance training.…”

The combined analysis of urine and blood metabolomics profiles provides an accurate prediction of the training and competitive status of Chinese professional swimmers

“…As a competitive sport, swimming is characterized by its cyclical nature, with elite athletes demonstrating an extended developmental trajectory thus emphasizing the need for rigorous selection and training criteria that ensure optimal performance and competitive success ( Lahart and Metsios, 2018 ). Following elite swimmers’ training, physiological parameters such as hemoglobin, hematocrit, creatine kinase, urea, lactic acid, testosterone, and cortisol levels in the blood are reliable indicators to assess athletes’ physical fitness ( Julian et al, 2017 ; Pla et al, 2019 ; González-Ravé et al, 2023 ). Another approach to evaluate athletes’ physical fitness is through analyzing the metabolites such as urea, creatinine, ketone bodies, phosphate, and nitrogenous compounds in urine ( Moreira et al, 2018 ).…”