Maximal mechanical power during a taper in elite swimmers

Insight regarding the fluctuations in neuromuscular function among athletes during a taper is lacking.

This study examined the time course of changes in maximal mechanical power (Pmax), torque at power maximum (T), velocity at power maximum (V), and swim performance (m x s(-1)) that occur during the taper.

Using an arm ergometer with inertial loading, measurements were made during the week prior to the initiation of the taper (high volume, HV), during the 2- to 3-wk period of the taper (taper), and during the week of peak competition (peak) in 24 male competitive collegiate swimmers. Subjects were divided into groups that tapered to peak performance at either the conference (CONF, N = 13) or national (NAT, N = 11) championship competitions.

CONF increased Pmax 10.2% (P < 0.01) and swim performance 4.4% (P < 0.001). NAT increased Pmax by 11.6% (P < 0.01), T by 7.4% (P < 0.02), and swim performance by 4.7% (P < 0.001). Pmax displayed a biphasic increase with approximately 50, 5, and 45% of the total increase occurring during the first, second, and third weeks of the taper, respectively. The biphasic response was the most common response among individual swimmers. Swimming performance was significantly correlated to both power and torque (P < 0.05).

In summary, maximal arm power measured using inertial load ergometry increased largely during the first and third weeks after training volume was tapered for peak performance in elite collegiate swimmers.