Competitive performance, training load and physiological responses during tapering in young swimmers

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Swimming Performance

Background:

• Optimizing training load and taper strategies is crucial for peak competitive performance in young swimmers.
• Understanding the relationship between training load metrics and physiological responses during the pre-championship period is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine changes in training load and physiological parameters in relation to competitive performance in swimmers leading up to a national championship.
• To investigate the utility of session rating of perceived exertion (RPE-Load) and lactate-adjusted load (LA-Load) for monitoring training.

Main Methods:

• Twelve young swimmers' training load was monitored for four weeks pre-championship, including two weeks of normal training and two weeks of taper.
• Training load was calculated using session-RPE (RPE-Load) and lactate-adjusted load (LA-Load).
• Physiological parameters and performance were assessed via submaximal tests, tethered swimming, and hand-grip strength measurements at three time points before the championship.

Main Results:

• Competitive performance at the national championship did not significantly differ from season bests or pre-taper performance.
• No significant changes were observed in measured physiological and performance variables across the three testing periods.
• Changes in RPE-Load from week 4 to week 1 pre-championship correlated with performance changes (r=0.63, p=0.03).
• RPE-Load was strongly correlated with LA-Load (r=0.80, p=0.01).

Conclusions:

• Session-RPE-based training load estimation can be a valuable tool for taper planning in young swimmers.
• Increasing the training load difference between normal and taper weeks may enhance performance outcomes.
• Further research could explore optimal RPE-Load manipulation strategies during taper phases.