ff ects of Swim Training on Energetics and Performance

▼ The aim of this study was to determine the eff ect of several months of training on performance and energetic profi le of elite swimmers. 9 elite swimmers were evaluated at 3 diff erent time periods during the 2010–2011 calendar. Swimming performance was assessed based on lists of times for the 200 m freestyle event. An incremental set of 7 × 200 m swims was applied to obtain the energetic data. Measurements and/or estimations were made for the: velocity at 4 mmol l − 1 of lactate concentrations, highest value of lactate concentrations, maximal oxygen consumption, minimum swimming velocity where the maximal oxygen consumption is reached and total energy expenditure (E tot ). The performance and most of the energetic variables assessed presented no signifi cant variations during the study period. The only exception was the E tot with signifi cant diff erences between all measurements. Correlation coeffi cients suggested a high stability for all variables. Cohen’s Kappa tracking index demonstrated high variability in the individual adaptations to training. It is concluded that elite swimmers demonstrate a slight improvement in performance and energetic profi le in response to several months of training. Each subject has an individual way of adapting to the training load, combining the diff erent energetic confounders to enhance performance. D ow nl oa de d by : D eu ts ch en S po rt ho ch sc hu le K öl n. C op yr ig ht ed m at er ia l.