Energetics of competitive swimming. Implications for training programmes

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Biomechanics
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Competitive swimming success depends on various mechanical and energetic factors.
• Optimizing training programs requires identifying the relative importance of these performance factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the mechanics and energetics of swimming to identify key performance factors.
• To evaluate the energy cost of swimming and the systems that supply this energy.
• To predict the impact of changes in aerobic capacity, anaerobic capacity, and propelling efficiency on swimming performance.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of swimming mechanics and energetics, including energy expenditure, efficiency, and drag.
• Modeling to predict performance times based on energy balance.
• Simulation of a 10% improvement in aerobic capacity, anaerobic capacity, and propelling efficiency.

Main Results:

• Energy expenditure is linked to velocity, gross efficiency, propelling efficiency, and drag.
• A 10% increase in propelling efficiency yielded superior performance improvements over both short and long distances compared to similar increases in aerobic or anaerobic power.
• Propelling efficiency was identified as a critical factor for enhancing swimming performance.

Conclusions:

• Determining mechanical parameters (technique, drag) and energy production parameters is crucial for optimizing training.
• Identifying swimmers' strengths and weaknesses allows for tailored training strategies and distance recommendations.
• Focusing on improving the weakest, most trainable performance factors can maximize training effectiveness.