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Int J Sports Med 2008; 29(6): 500-506
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-965784
Training & Testing

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Maximal Power and Performance during a Swim Taper

J. D. Trinity1 , M. D. Pahnke1 , J. A. Sterkel2 , E. F. Coyle1
  • 1Kinesiology and Health Education, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, United States
  • 2Intercollegiate Athletics, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, United States
Further Information

Publication History

accepted after revision July 13, 2007

Publication Date:
24 October 2007 (online)

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Abstract

This study examined how altering training intensity during a taper impacts maximal mechanical power (Pmax), 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 Pmax, 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 Pmax 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, Pmax, 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 Pmax, T, and swim performance can be maintained at peak levels.

Key words

swim training - inertial load ergometer - human performance - torque

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 Mr.
Joel D. TrinityM.S. 

Kinesiology and Health Education
The University of Texas at Austin

1 University Station, Belmont Hall, D3700

Austin, TX 78712

United States

Phone: + 1 51 24 71 85 98

Fax: + 1 51 24 71 90 46

Email: joeltrinity@mail.utexas.edu