Bioimpedance Vector Patterns Changes in Response to Swimming Training: An Ecological Approach

Area of Science:

• Sports Physiology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Athletic Performance Monitoring

Background:

• Bioelectric phase angle (PhA) and vector length are key components of bioimpedance vector analysis (BIVA).
• BIVA patterns offer insights into athlete health and condition, exceeding PhA evaluation alone.
• Monitoring BIVA sensitivity to training load changes is crucial for optimizing athletic preparation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To monitor changes in BIVA patterns during a 13-week swimming macrocycle.
• To assess the sensitivity of BIVA parameters to training load variations in elite swimmers.
• To correlate BIVA changes with sprint performance metrics.

Main Methods:

• Twelve elite swimmers underwent bioimpedance assessments (resistance R, reactance Xc) at three macrocycle points (M1, M2, M3).
• A single-frequency phase-sensitive bioimpedance device was utilized.
• Swimmers performed a 50m all-out sprint (T50 m) at each assessment point.

Main Results:

• Significant vector displacement in R-Xc graph observed from M1 to M2 (p < 0.001), suggesting fluid gain and decreased cellular density.
• From M2 to M3, vector displacement indicated increased PhA (p < 0.01), attributed to reduced training load during taper.
• Improved cellular health (increased Xc) correlated with enhanced T50 m performance (p < 0.01) during taper.

Conclusions:

• PhA and BIVA are valuable tools for monitoring swimmer condition during competition preparation.
• BIVA provides an ecological approach to assessing athlete health without predictive body composition equations.
• Tapering phase positively influences PhA, cellular health, and sprint performance in swimmers.