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Proposal of a Conditioning Activity Model on Sprint Swimming Performance
Tarine Botta de Arruda1, Ricardo Augusto Barbieri1,2, Vitor Luiz de Andrade3
1Laboratory of Aquatic Activities, School of Physical Education and Sport of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, EEFERP-USP, São Paulo, Brazil.
Frontiers in Physiology
|November 16, 2020
Summary
This study found that specialized conditioning activities (CA) did not improve 50-m freestyle swimming performance compared to a standard warm-up. However, specific protocols showed potential benefits for certain mechanical parameters and voluntary activation.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Exercise Physiology
- Swimming Performance
Background:
- Optimizing neuromuscular responses and mechanical parameters is crucial for elite 50-m freestyle swimming.
- Standard warm-up protocols are established, but novel conditioning activities (CA) require investigation for their efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and evaluate a conditioning activity (CA) model designed to enhance neuromuscular responses and mechanical parameters for 50-m freestyle swimming.
- To compare the effects of four different CA protocols against a standard warm-up on swimming performance.
Main Methods:
- Thirteen male swimmers performed four CA protocols (standard warm-up, lunges, pull-ups/box jumps, combined exercises) followed by a 50-m freestyle swim.
- Neuromuscular responses, mechanical parameters (e.g., swim start, turnaround time), and voluntary activation were assessed.
Main Results:
- CA protocols did not significantly improve overall 50-m freestyle performance compared to the standard warm-up.
- One protocol (P2: lunges) showed positive effects on mechanical parameters for the swim start.
- Turnaround time improved across all protocols, with P3 showing the largest negative effect initially.
- Protocols P2 and P3 showed a potential positive effect on voluntary activation percentage.
Conclusions:
- The proposed CA protocols were not more efficient than the standard warm-up for improving 50-m freestyle performance.
- Specific CA protocols may influence distinct phases of the swimming event, such as the swim start and turnaround.
- Further research is needed to refine CA strategies for specific swimming performance enhancements.
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