Physiological Characteristics of Well-Trained Synchronized Swimmers in Relation to Performance Scores

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between the physiological characteristics of synchronized swimmers and their performance scores. The subjects were 16 trained female synchronized swimmers with a mean age of 17.2 +/- 1.7 years (mean +/- SD). The examined variables were body dimensions (height, width, body mass, circumference of the body and segment length), body composition, isokinetic muscle strength of the elbow and knee during extension and flexion, abdominal muscle endurance, anaerobic power (leg extension power and peak blood lactate concentration), aerobic power (maximum oxygen uptake [VO2max], swimming velocity at the onset of blood lactate accumulation [OBLA-V]), and flexibility (standing trunk flexion, prone trunk extension and distance between the open legs). The performance scores had significant correlations (p < 0.05) with isokinetic muscle strength of the elbow extension and flexion, and the knee extension, abdominal muscle endurance, leg extension power, VO2max x wt(-1), OBLA-V and distance between the open legs. However, no significant correlations were found between the performance scores and anthropometric variables. This study showed that the performance scores of synchronized swimmers correlated significantly with the functional aspects, and that muscle strength, muscle endurance and aerobic capacity seem to be particularly important determinants.

Relation of 25-meter Swimming Performance with Physical Properties and Isokinetic Knee Strength in Amateur Young Swimmers

“…According to a few studies, lower limb muscle strength is quielty important especially in sprint swimming performance (Yamamura et al, 1999). In the present study, there was a strong relationship between 25-m swimming performance and lower limb musle strength and these findings are in line with literature (Yamamura et al, 1999;.…”

“…suggested that swimming sport requires high muscle power in lower limb. Similarly, a study conducted with synchronized swimmers, found that there is a strong correlation between performance and isokinetic muscle strength of the lower limb muscle (Yamamura et al, 1999). On the other hand, Gola et al (2014) reported that there is no relationship between isometric strength of the lower limb muscles and 25-m or 50-m swimming performance.…”

Nutrition for Synchronized Swimming: A Review

“…Other physiological findings include those from Yamamura et al (1999), who found a significant correlation between aerobic capacity and synchronized swimming performance scores. They also noted a correlation between performance scores and isokinetic muscle strength of elbow extension and flexion, knee extension, abdominal muscle endurance, leg extension power, and swimming velocity at the onset of blood lactate accumulation.…”

Commentary

“…However, in a more recent investigation, the mean aerobic power of the Japanese national team (tested in a swimming flume) was higher (50.8 (2.9) ml/kg/min). 25 Although it is diYcult to examine the eVect of training on menstrual function in isolation, it remains to be seen whether an increase in the aerobic training intensity of the current cohort of synchronised swimmers would lead to an increased incidence of menstrual irregularity. This study suggests that elite level synchronised swimmers in the United Kingdom are not at risk of developing menstrual abnormalities and consequently are unlikely to have reduced bone mineral density.…”