Laboratory-based ergometry for swimmers: a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Dry-land training machines for swimmers emerged ~40 years ago to mimic swimming movements for resistance exercise.
• These machines were later adapted into ergometers for swimming research.
• This review synthesizes findings from studies using laboratory-based ergometry in swimming.

Purpose of the Study:

• To categorize and summarize research utilizing laboratory-based ergometry in swimming.
• To evaluate the contribution of swim ergometers to swimming research.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted across major scientific databases (PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Scopus) from 1970 to 2018.
• Included publications were systematically grouped into four key research areas: physiological responses, functional evaluation, training monitoring, and muscular work output.

Main Results:

• Significant differences exist between swim bench exercise and actual swimming, particularly in muscle activation patterns.
• Challenges remain in accurately replicating swimming movements and coordinated actions on laboratory ergometers.
• Despite limitations, swim ergometry has proven valuable for physiological measurements, overcoming difficulties associated with in-water testing.

Conclusions:

• Laboratory-based ergometry, despite its inherent limitations, has significantly contributed to understanding swimming physiology.
• Research using these tools has enhanced knowledge of training effects and swimming efficiency.
• Swim ergometry provides a practical method for studying swimming performance and physiological responses.