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Physiological responses during submaximal interval swimming training: effects of interval duration
D J Bentley1, B Roels, P Hellard
1Department of Human and Health Sciences, University of Westminster, London. United Kingdom. d.bentley@unsw.edu.au
Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport
|April 8, 2006
Summary
Elite swimmers experienced similar times near VO2max during interval training, regardless of 4x400m or 16x100m sets. However, individual responses varied significantly, suggesting further research into athlete characteristics influencing physiological responses to different interval durations.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Exercise Physiology
- Swimming Performance
Background:
- Interval training (IT) is crucial for enhancing swimming performance.
- Understanding physiological responses to different IT interval durations is key for optimizing training.
- Elite swimmers' ability to sustain high intensity varies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the time spent near maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) during two distinct interval training protocols in elite swimmers.
- To analyze the duration above 90% of VO2max and maximal heart rate (HRmax) between 4x400m and 16x100m IT sessions.
- To investigate individual variability in physiological responses to different interval lengths.
Main Methods:
- Elite swimmers (n=?) underwent incremental testing to determine VO2max, ventilation threshold (VT), and HRmax.
- Two randomized interval training sessions were performed: 4x400m (IT(4x400)) and 16x100m (IT(16x100)).
- Oxygen uptake (VO2) and heart rate (HR) were measured during IT sessions, with a focus on time spent above 90% VO2max and 90% HRmax.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were found in the duration above 90% VO2max or 90% HRmax between the IT(4x400) and IT(16x100) sessions.
- Limits of agreement analysis revealed substantial individual variations in time spent above 90% VO2max and 90% HRmax between the two protocols.
- Individual differences in physiological responses suggest that training prescription needs personalization.
Conclusions:
- While overall group responses were similar, individual swimmers exhibit considerable variability in physiological strain between different interval training durations.
- Further research is needed to identify athlete characteristics that influence physiological responses to short versus long interval repetitions in swimming.
- Personalized training approaches may be necessary to optimize elite swimmers' adaptation to interval training.
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