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Does Pool Performance of Elite Triathletes Predict Open-Water Performance?
Sergio Sellés-Pérez1, Roberto Cejuela1, José Fernández-Sáez2,3
1Physical Education and Sports, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain.
Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology
|December 22, 2023
Summary
Laboratory swimming tests effectively predict triathlon performance. Pool-based lactate testing provides coaches with reliable data to assess triathletes
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Exercise Physiology
- Endurance Sports Analysis
Background:
- Predicting competition performance from laboratory tests is crucial in endurance sports.
- The relationship between pool swimming performance and triathlon swimming segment outcomes requires further investigation.
- Understanding predictability across different competition levels and distances is essential for targeted training.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the predictive capacity of pool swimming performance on triathlon swimming segment results.
- To compare the predictability of pool swimming tests across various competition levels and distances.
- To assess the utility of lactate-based swimming metrics for predicting triathlon performance.
Main Methods:
- Eighteen male triathletes (world-class, elite, national levels) underwent graded multi-stage pool swimming tests.
- Predictor variables included speed at lactate threshold 1 (LT1), speed at lactate threshold 2 (LT2), and speed at the last repetition (SL200).
- Data from 75 races (World Series, World Cup, Continental Cup, National, Local; Olympic and Sprint distances) were analyzed for swimming leg time, position, and final race position.
Main Results:
- Moderate to strong positive associations were found between LT1, LT2, SL200 and swimming leg performance (PSL, TSl) across most race levels.
- Predictability was weaker or non-existent in specific sprint and Olympic distance Continental Cup races.
- Pool-based lactate testing demonstrated significant predictive power for triathlon swimming performance.
Conclusions:
- Performance in graded multi-stage pool lactate tests can reliably predict performance in the swimming segment of triathlons.
- These findings offer valuable insights for coaches to assess specific swimming capabilities of triathletes.
- The predictive utility varies depending on the competition level and distance, highlighting the need for context-specific analysis.
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