Swimming performance in semiaquatic and terrestrial Oryzomyine rodents

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Pre-task music improves swimming performance

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of pre--task music on swimming performance and other psychological variables. A randomized counterbalanced within--subjects (experimental and control condition) design was employed. Eighteen regional level male swimmers performed two 200m freestyle swimming time trials. Participants were exposed to either 5min of self--selected music (pre--task music condition) or 5min of silence (control condition) and, after 1 minute, performed the swimming task. Swimming time was significantly shorter (--1.44%) in the pre--task music condition. Listening to pre--task music increased motivation to perform the swimming task, while arousal remained unchanged. While fatigue increased after the swimming task in both conditions, vigour, ratings of perceived exertion and affective valence were unaltered. It is concluded, for the first time, that pre--task music improves swimming performance.

Validity of the critical speed to determine blood lactate response and aerobic performance in swimmers aged 10-15 years

Introduction - the aim of this study was to analyze the validity of the critical speed (CS) to determine the speed corresponding to 4 mmol 1(-1) of blood lactate (S4) and the speed in a 30 min test (S30min) of swimmers aged 10-15 years.Synthesis of facts - CS, S4 and S30min were determined in 12 swimmers (eight boys and four girls) divided into two groups: 10-12 years and 13-15 years.Conclusion - CS was a good predictor of aerobic performance (S30min) independent of the chronological age, providing practical information about the aerobic performance state of young swimmers. (C) 2002, Editions scientifiques et medicates, Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.

Aerobic and anaerobic performances in tethered swimming

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the critical force (CritF) and anaerobic impulse capacity (AIC) - estimated by tethered swimming - reflect the aerobic and anaerobic performance of swimmers. 12 swimmers performed incremental test in tethered swimming to determine lactate anaerobic threshold (AnTLAC), maximal oxygen uptake (̇VO2MAX) and force associated with the ̇VO2MAX (i ̇VO2MAX). The swimmers performed 4 exhaustive (tlim) exercise bouts (100, 110, 120 and 130% i ̇VO2MAX) to compute the CritF and AIC (F vs. 1/tlim model); a 30-s all-out tethered swimming bout to determine their anaerobic fitness (ANF); 100, 200, and 400-m time-trials to determine the swimming performance. CritF (57.09±11.77 N) did not differ from AnTLAC (53.96±11.52 N, (P>0.05) but was significantly lower than i ̇VO2MAX (71.02±8.36 N). In addition, CritF presented significant correlation with AnTLAC (r=0.76; P<0.05) and i ̇VO2MAX (r=0.74; P<0.05). On the other hand, AIC (286.19±54.91 N.s) and ANF (116.10±13.66 N) were significantly correlated (r=0.81, p<0.05). In addition, CritF and AIC presented significant correlations with all time-trials. In summary, this study demonstrates that CritF and AIC can be used to evaluate AnTLAC and ANF and to predict 100, 200, and 400-m free swimming. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart . New York.

Blood lactate response and critical speed in swimmers aged 10-12 years of different standards

It has previously been shown that measurement of the critical speed is a non-invasive method of estimating the blood lactate response during exercise. However, its validity in children has yet to be demonstrated. The aims of this study were: (1) to verify if the critical speed determined in accordance with the protocol of Wakayoshi et al. is a non-invasive means of estimating the swimming speed equivalent to a blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol . l(-1) in children aged 10-12 years; and (2) to establish whether standard of performance has an effect on its determination. Sixteen swimmers were divided into two groups: beginners and trained. They initially completed a protocol for determination of speed equivalent to a blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol . l(-1). Later, during training sessions, maximum efforts were swum over distances of 50, 100 and 200 m for the calculation of the critical speed. The speeds equivalent to a blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol . l(-1) (beginners = 0.82 +/- 0.09 m . s(-1), trained = 1.19 +/- 0.11 m . s(-1); mean +/- s) were significantly faster than the critical speeds (beginners = 0.78 +/- 0.25 m . s(-1), trained = 1.08 +/- 0.04 m . s(-1)) in both groups. There was a high correlation between speed at a blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol . l(-1) and the critical speed for the beginners (r = 0.96, P < 0.001), but not for the trained group (r = 0.60, P > 0.05). The blood lactate concentration corresponding to the critical speed was 2.7 +/- 1.1 and 3.1 +/- 0.4 mmol . l(-1) for the beginners and trained group respectively. The percent difference between speed at a blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol . l(-1) and the critical speed was not significantly different between the two groups. At all distances studied, swimming performance was significantly faster in the trained group. Our results suggest that the critical speed underestimates swimming intensity corresponding to a blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol . l(-1) in children aged 10-12 years and that standard of performance does not affect the determination of the critical speed.

Potência atada na máxima fase estável de lactato e índices do desempenho aeróbio de nado

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Effects of taper on swimming force and swimmer performance after an experimental ten-week training program

Papoti, M., L.E.B. Martins, S.A. Cunha, A.M. Zagatto, and C.A. Gobatto. Effects of taper on swimming force and swimmer performance after an experimental ten-week training program. J. Strength Cond. Res. 21(2):538-542. 2007.- The purpose of this research was to examine how an 11-day taper after an 8.5-week experimental training cycle affected lactate levels during maximal exercise, mean force, and performance in training swimmers, independent of shaving, psychological changes, and postcompetition effects. Fourteen competition swimmers with shaved legs and torsos were recruited from the São Paulo Aquatic Federation. The training cycle consisted of a basic training period (endurance and quality phases) of 8.5 weeks, with 5,800 m·d -1 mean training volume and 6 d·wk -1 frequency; and a taper period (TP) of 1.5 weeks' duration that incorporated a 48% reduction in weekly volume without altering intensity. Attained swimming force (SF) and maximal performance over 200m maximal swim (Pmax) before and after taper were measured. After taper, SF and Pmax improved 3.6 and 1.6%, respectively (p < 0.05). There were positive correlations (p < 0.05) between SF and Pmax before (r = 0.86) and after (r = 0.83) the taper phase. Peak lactate concentrations after SF were unaltered before (6.79 ± 1.2 mM) and after (7.15 ± 1.8 mM) TP. Results showed that TP improved mean swimming velocity, but not in the same proportion as force after taper, suggesting that there are other factors influencing performance in faster swimming. © 2007 National Strength & Conditioning Association.

WATER ABSORPTION of THE FUR and SWIMMING BEHAVIOR of SEMIAQUATIC and TERRESTRIAL ORYZOMINE RODENTS

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Limiar anaeróbio e velocidade crítica determinada com diferentes distâncias em nadadores de 10 a 15 anos: relações com a performance e a resposta do lactato sanguíneo em testes de endurance

O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a velocidade crítica (VC) determinada através de diferentes distâncias com o limiar anaeróbio (LAn) e as velocidades máximas mantidas em testes de 20 (V20) e 30 (V30) minutos na natação, verificando se a idade cronológica em jovens nadadores interfere nessas relações. Participaram do estudo 31 nadadores (17 meninas e 14 meninos) divididos segundo a idade cronológica em dois grupos: 10 a 12 anos e 13 a 15 anos. O LAn foi determinado como sendo a velocidade correspondente a 4mM de lactato sanguíneo. A VC1 (25/50/100m), VC2 (100/200/400m) e a VC3 (50/100/200m) foram calculadas através do coeficiente angular da reta de regressão linear entre as distâncias e seus respectivos tempos. As V20 e V30 foram determinadas através de três a seis repetições, com coletas de sangue no 10º minuto e ao final do tiro. Para o grupo de 10 a 12 anos, a VC1 (m/s) (0,98 ± 0,17) e o LAn (0,97 ± 0,12) não foram diferentes entre si, sendo maiores do que a VC2 (0,92 ± 0,16), VC3 (0,89 ± 0,18), V20 (0,92 ± 0,11) e V30 (0,90 ± 0,11). Para o grupo de 13 a 15 anos, a VC1 (m/s)(1,11 ± 0,11) foi maior do que o LAn (1,02 ± 0,07), V20 (0,99 ± 0,09), V30 (0,97 ± 0,09), VC2 (0,98 ± 0,11) e VC3 (1,00 ± 0,11). Pode-se concluir que a distância utilizada na determinação da VC interfere no valor obtido, independente da idade cronológica. A VC determinada com distâncias entre 50 e 400m pode ser utilizada na avaliação da capacidade aeróbia de crianças e adolescentes, substituindo os testes contínuos máximos com durações próximas a 20 ou 30 minutos.

Índices técnicos correspondentes à velocidade crítica e à máxima velocidade de 30 minutos em nadadores com diferentes níveis de performance aeróbia

O principal objetivo deste estudo foi verificar o efeito do nível de performance aeróbia na relação entre os índices técnicos correspondentes à velocidade crítica (VC) e à velocidade máxima de 30 minutos (V30) em nadadores. Participaram deste estudo, 23 nadadores do gênero masculino com características antropométricas similares, divididos segundo o nível de performance aeróbia em grupo G1 (maior performance) (n = 13) e G2 (menor performance) (n = 10). Os indivíduos tinham pelo menos quatro anos de experiência no esporte e treinavam um volume semanal de 30.000 a 45.000m. A VC foi determinada através do coeficiente angular da regressão linear entre as distâncias (200 e 400m) e seus respectivos tempos. A V30 foi determinada através da máxima distância realizada em um teste de 30 minutos. Todas as variáveis foram determinadas no nado crawl. A VC foi significantemente maior do que a V30 no grupo G1 (1,30 ± 0,04 vs. 1,23 ± 0,06m.s-1) e no G2 (1,17 ± 0,08 vs. 1,07 ± 0,06m.s-1). As duas variáveis foram maiores no grupo G1. As taxas de braçada correspondentes à VC (TBVC) e à V30 (TBV30) obtidas nos grupos G1 (33,07 ± 4,34 vs. 31,38 ± 4,15 ciclos.min-1) e G2 (35,57 ± 6,52 vs. 33,54 ± 5,89 ciclos.min-1) foram similares entre si. A TBVC foi significantemente menor no grupo 1 do que no grupo 2, enquanto que a TBV30 não foi diferente entre os grupos. Os comprimentos de braçada correspondentes à VC (CBVC) e à V30 (CBV30) foram significantemente maiores no grupo G1 (2,41 ± 0,33 vs. 2,38 ± 0,30m.ciclo-1) do que no G2 (2,04 ± 0,43 vs. 1,97 ± 0,40m.ciclo-1), e similares entre si nos dois grupos. As correlações (r) entre a VC e a V30 e as variáveis técnicas correspondentes às duas velocidades foram significantes em todas as comparações (0,68 a 0,91). Portanto, a relação entre a velocidade e as variáveis técnicas correspondentes à VC e à V30 não é modificada pelo nível de performance aeróbia.

Utilização do intercepto-y na avaliação da aptidão anaeróbia e predição da performance de nadadores treinados

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

The contribution of air breathing to aerobic scope and exercise performance in the banded knifefish Gymnotus carapo L.

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Validade do teste de 30 minutos (T-30) na determinação da capacidade aeróbia, parâmetros de braçada e performance aeróbia de nadadores treinados

O objetivo do presente estudo foi verificar a utilização da velocidade de 30 minutos (VT-30), freqüência de braçada (fB), comprimento de braçada (CB) e índice de braçada (IB), obtidos no teste T-30, como métodos não-invasivos para determinação da performance aeróbia e técnica de nadadores treinados. Catorze nadadores submeteram-se a três esforços de 400m (85, 90 e 100% do esforço máximo) para determinação da velocidade de limiar anaeróbio (VLan) correspondente à concentração fixa de 3,5mM de lactato e um esforço máximo de 30 minutos (VT-30). fB, CB e IB foram calculados nos 10m centrais da piscina (nado limpo) para o teste T-30 (fBT-30, CBT-30 e IBT-30) e progressivo. Através da relação entre VLan e parâmetros de braçada no teste progressivo, determinaram-se freqüência de braçada de limiar (fBLan), comprimento de braçada de limiar (CBLan) e índice de braçada de limiar (IBLan). O tempo para realizar 400m em máximo esforço foi considerado como parâmetro de performance (P400). Não foi encontrada diferença significativa entre VLan (1,29 ± 0,07m.s-1) e VT-30 (1,29 ± 0,08m.s-1), que ainda apresentaram alta correlação (r = 0,90). Os valores de fBLan (33,6 ± 4,14 ciclos/min) e fBT-30 (34,9 ± 3,53 ciclos/min) e de CBLan (2,09 ± 0,20m/ciclo) e CBT-30 (2,09 ± 0,20m/ciclo) também não foram significativamente diferentes. Correlações significativas (p < 0,05) também foram encontradas entre VT-30 e P400 (r = 0,95); fBLan e fBT-30 (r = 0,73); CBLan e CBT-30 (r = 0,89) e IBLan e IBT-30 (r = 0,94). Conclui-se que a VT30 se mostrou confiável para o monitoramento do treinamento, predição da performance e determinação de parâmetros relacionados à técnica de nadadores.

Assessment of anaerobic power of swimmers: the correlation of laboratory tests on an arm ergometer with field tests in a swimming fool

The aim of this study was to verify the correlation between the Wingate arm crank test outputs (peak power, mean power, and fatigue index), obtained on a specific ergometer, and the performance in crawl stroke swim sprints of 14, 25, 50, and 400 m. The experiment was conducted with 9 healthy male volunteers (18.1 +/- 2.2 years of age; 172 +/- 0.04 cm; 67.7 +/- 5.92 kg and 15.7 +/- 4.57% body fat). on determined days, all individuals were submitted to the Wingate arm crank test and crawl freestyle sprints of 14, 25, 50, and 400 m as they were timed with a stopwatch. The peak power, the mean power, and the fatigue index, which were obtained during the Wingate arm crank test, were not significantly correlated with the maximum swim velocities during the crawl free-style tests of 14 (r = 0.40; r = 0.64; r = 0.11), 25 (r = 0.28; r = 0.39; r = -0.27), 50 (r = 0.03; r = 0.09; r = -0.31), and 400 (r = -0.52; r = -0.37; r = -0.65) m respectively. Thus, it is possible to conclude that the Wingate arm crank test is not suitable to assess the anaerobic power of swimmers under the described experimental conditions.

EFFECT OF CAFFEINE ON THE METABOLISM OF RATS EXERCISING BY SWIMMING

Several studies have demonstrated that caffeine improves endurance exercise performance but the mechanisms are not fully understood. Possibilities include increased free fatty acid (FFA) oxidation with consequent sparing of muscle glycogen as well as enhancement of neuromuscular function during exercise. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of caffeine on liver and muscle glycogen of 3-month old, male Wistar rats (250-300 g) exercising by swimming. Caffeine (5 mg/kg) dissolved in saline (CAF) or 0.9% sodium chloride (SAL) was administered by oral intubation (1 mu l/g) to fed rats 60 min before exercise. The rats (N = and-IO per group) swam bearing a load corresponding to 5% body weight for 30 or 60 min. FFA levels were significantly elevated to 0.475 +/- 0.10 mEq/l in CAF compared to 0.369 +/- 0.06 mEq/l in SAL rats at the beginning of exercise. During exercise, a significant difference in FFA levels between CAF and SAL rats was observed at 30 min (0.325 +/- 0.06 vs 0.274 +/- 0.05 mEq/l) but not at 60 min (0.424 +/- 0.13 vs 0.385 +/- 0.10 mEq/l). Blood glucose showed an increase due to caffeine only at the end of exercise (CAF = 142.1 +/- 27.4 and SAL = 120.2 +/- 12.9 mg/100 ml). No significant difference in liver or muscle glycogen was observed in CAF as compared to SAL rats, at rest or during exercise. Caffeine increased blood lactate only at the beginning of exercise (CAF = 2.13 +/- 0.2 and SAL = 1.78 +/- 0.2 mmol/l). These data indicate that caffeine (5 mg/kg) has no glycogen-sparing effect on rats exercising by swimming even though the FFA levels of CAF rats were significantly higher at the beginning of exercise.