Maximal Power and Performance during a Swim Taper

Abstract

This study examined how altering training intensity during a taper impacts maximal mechanical power (P_max), torque at power maximum (T), velocity at power maximum (V), and swim performance (m · sec^-1). Using an arm ergometer with inertial loading, measurements of P_max, T, and V were made for 7 consecutive weeks prior to the taper and during the taper in 7 female competitive collegiate swimmers. Subjects were tested over two consecutive years. Swim performance was obtained from 3 competitive meets; a conference meet (CM), the conference championship meet (CONF) and the national championship meet (NAT). A 50 to 60 % increase in the amount of “high-intensity training” during the taper of 2005 (High-Intensity Taper - HIT) resulted in P_max values that were 8 to 14 % higher (40 to 60 Watts) at all but one time point when compared to the 2004 taper (Low-Intensity Taper - LIT). Swim performance was significantly worsened at the NAT following LIT. However, with the HIT, swim performance, P_max, and T were maintained prior to and at NAT. A large reduction in high-intensity training during a taper reduces the length of time that P_max, T, and swim performance can be maintained at peak levels.

swim training - inertial load ergometer - human performance - torque

References

• 1 Cavanaugh J C, Musch K I. Arm and leg power of elite swimmers increase after taper as measured by biokinetic variable resistance machines.  J Swim Res. 1989;  5 5-7
• 2 Costill D L, King D S, Holdren A. Sprint speed vs. swimming power.  Swim Tech. 1983;  20 20-21
• 3 Costill D L, King D S, Thomas R, Hargreaves M. Effects of reduced training on muscular power in swimmers.  Phys Sport Med. 1985;  30 94-101
• 4 Costill D L, Thomas R, Robergs R A, Pascoe D, Lambert C, Barr S, Fink W J. Adaptations to swimming training: influence of training volume.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1991;  23 371-377
• 5 Dudley G A, Abraham W M, Terjung R L. Influence of exercise intensity and duration on biochemical adaptations in skeletal muscle.  J Appl Physiol. 1982;  53 844-850
• 6 Fitts R H, Costill D L, Gardetto P R. Effect of swim exercise training on human muscle fiber function.  J Appl Physiol. 1989;  66 465-475
• 7 Gibala M J, Little J P, van Essen M, Wilkin G P, Burgomaster K A, Safdar A, Raha S, Tarnopolsky M A. Short-term sprint interval versus traditional endurance training: similar initial adaptations in human skeletal muscle and exercise performance.  J Physiol. 2006;  575 901-911
• 8 Harber M P, Gallagher P M, Creer A R, Minchev K M, Trappe S W. Single muscle fiber contractile properties during a competitive season in male runners.  Am J Physiol. 2004;  287 R1124-R1131
• 9 Holloszy J O, Coyle E F. Adaptations of skeletal muscle to endurance exercise and their metabolic consequences.  J Appl Physiol. 1984;  56 831-838
• 10 Hooper S L, Mackinnon L T, Ginn E M. Effects of three tapering techniques on the performance, forces and psychometric measures of competitive swimmers.  Eur J Appl Physiol. 1998;  78 258-263
• 11 Houmard J A, Kirwan J P, Flynn M G, Mitchell J B. Effects of reduced training on submaximal and maximal running responses.  Int J Sports Med. 1989;  10 30-33
• 12 Houmard J A, Johns R A. Effects of taper on swim performance; practical implications.  Sports Med. 1994;  17 224-232
• 13 Houmard J A, Scott B K, Justice C L, Chenier T. The effects of taper on performance in distance runners.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1994;  26 624-631
• 14 Johns R, Houmard J A, Kobe R W, Hortobagyi T, Bruno N J, Wells J M, Shinebarger M H. Effects of taper on swim power, stroke distance, and performance.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1992;  24 1141-1146
• 15 Johnson R E, Sharp R L, Hedrick C E. Relationship of swimming power and dryland power to sprint freestyle performance: a multiple regression approach.  J Swim Res. 1993;  9 10-14
• 16 Maglischo (ed) E. Swimming Fastest: the Essential Reference on Training, Technique and Program Design. Champaign, IL; Human Kinetics 2003
• 17 Martin D T, Scifres J C, Zimmerman S D, Wilkinson J G. Effects of interval training and a taper on cycling performance and isokinetic leg strength.  Int J Sports Med. 1994;  15 485-491
• 18 Martin J C, Wagner B M, Coyle E F. Inertial-load method determines maximal cycling power in a single exercise bout.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1997;  29 1505-1512
• 19 Mujika I, Busso T, Lacoste L, Barale F, Geyssant A, Chatard J C. Modeled responses to training and taper in competitive swimmers.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1996;  28 251-258
• 20 Mujika I, Padilla S. Scientific bases for precompetition tapering strategies.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2003;  35 1182-1187
• 21 Mujika I, Padilla S, Pyne D, Busso T. Physiological changes associated with the pre-event taper in athletes.  Sports Med. 2004;  34 891-927
• 22 Neary J P, Martin T P, Reid D C, Burnham R, Quinney H A. The effects of a reduced exercise duration taper programme on performance and muscle enzymes of endurance cyclists.  Eur J Appl Physiol. 1992;  65 30-36
• 23 Neary J P, Martin T, Quinney H A. Effects of taper on endurance cycling capacity and single muscle fiber properties.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2003;  35 1875-1881
• 24 Neufer P D, Costill D L, Fielding R A, Flynn M G, Kirwan J P. Effect of reduced training on muscular strength and endurance in competitive swimmers.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1987;  19 486-490
• 25 Neary J P, McKenzie D, Bhambhani Y. Muscle oxygenation trends after tapering in trained cyclists.  Dyn Med. 2004;  4 4
• 26 Sharp R L, Troup J P, Costill D L. Relationship between power and sprint freestyle swimming.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1982;  14 53-56
• 27 Shepley B, MacDougall J D, Cipriano N, Sutton J R, Tarnopolsky M A, Coates G. Physiological effects of tapering in highly trained athletes.  J Appl Physiol. 1992;  72 706-711
• 28 Trappe S W, Costill D L, Thomas R. Effect of swim taper on whole muscle and single muscle fiber contractile properties.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2001;  33 48-56
• 29 Trinity J D, Pahnke M D, Reese E, Coyle E F. Maximal mechanical power during a taper in elite swimmers.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2006;  38 1643-1649
• 30 Yamamoto Y, Mutoh Y. Hematological and biochemical indices during the tapering period of competitive swimmers. Ungerects BE, Wilke K, Reischle K Swimming Science V, International Series on Sports Sciences. Chap. 18. Champaign; Human Kinetics 1988: 243-249
• 31 Yancher R, Larsen O, Baer C. Power and velocity relationships in swimming.  Swim Tech. 1983;  19 16-18
• 32 Zardakas P C, Carter J B, Bannister E W. Modeling the effect of taper on performance, maximal oxygen uptake, and the anaerobic threshold in endurance triathletes. Semple SJ, Adams I Modelling and Control of Ventilation. New York; Plenum Press 1995: 179-186