ECSS Paris 2023: CP-AP24
INTRODUCTION: The underwater phase (from wall contact to the head first break water after rolling rotation) during turns plays a crucial role in competitive swimming, as it enables faster speeds compared to surface freestyle swimming [1]. A longer and faster underwater phase is associated with better turn performance thus the overall swimming success. Trunk power may contribute to the two skills executed during underwater phase - the twisting rotation (twisting around the vertical axis of the body) and the undulatory underwater swimming. However, the relationship between trunk power and the underwater performance of turn is still unclear. 400 m freestyle requires athletes to have both speed and endurance, and a large number of turns can be analyzed. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the correlation between trunk power and underwater turn performance in 400 m freestyle. METHODS: Ten national-level male swimmers (19.6±3.8 yr, 185±3.6 cm,; 74.9±8.1 kg) participated in the study. Their average personal best performance was 92.29% of the current world record. Data were collected in 7 turns during a 400 m freestyle test, including average water break time (WBT), underwater velocity and water break distance (WBD), captured by two fixed cameras (HDR-CX680, SONY, Tokyo, Japan) for assessing underwater phase performance. The front and side abdominal power tests (FAPT and SAPT) were conducted using a 2 kg medicine ball by throwing forward and sideward respectively. Each test was performed three times per direction, with a 45-second rest interval between trials. The maximum throwing distance (m) was used for analysis. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to determine the relationship between underwater performance and trunk power. RESULTS: Pearson correlation showed significant positive correlations between WBT and left SAPT (r = 0.664, p= 0.036) and right SAPT (r = 0.644, p = 0.044). Strong correlations were shown between underwater velocity and FAPT (r =0.808, p =0.005), left SAPT (r =0. 747, p =0.013) and right SAPT (r =0.636, p =0.048). Similarly, WBD showed strong correlations with FAPT (r = 0.711, p = 0.021), left SAPT (r = 0.717, p = 0.020), and right SAPT (r = 0.666, p = 0.036). CONCLUSION: The findings suggested that the underwater performance (WBT, underwater velocity, and WBD) are strongly correlated with trunk power (in the direction of front, left and right). Besides, stronger correlations were observed for left SAPT compared to right SAPT with underwater performance. Reference: 1. Veiga et al., 2016
Read CV Shengbo GaoECSS Paris 2023: CP-AP24
INTRODUCTION: Neuromuscular training is critical for optimizing swimming performance, yet evidence-based load prescription remains challenging [1-3]. Current research lacks consensus on: (1) dose-response thresholds for different training modalities, (2) valid load monitoring biomarkers, and (3) taper duration optimization. This systematic review establishes evidence-based guidelines for neuromuscular training periodization. METHODS: The systematic literature search was conducted following the PRISMA-PERSiST guidelines across seven databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE). Methodological quality was appraised via AMSTAR2 with dual-independent screening. RESULTS: From 2,317 initial records, 42 studies met inclusion criteria (68% published 2019-2024). High-intensity training demonstrated superior performance correlation (r=0.69, p<0.01) versus volume-based approaches (NS). Strength loads at 70-85% 1RM elicited maximal sprint improvements (3.2-5.6%, ES=1.21). A 3-week exponential taper optimized time gains (Δ2.9-3.2%, p<0.01) through fatigue reduction, whereas extended tapering diminished returns (ES=0.18). Neuromuscular interventions revealed differential effects: core training enhanced stroke efficiency (Δ9.2%, p<0.05) while plyometrics improved start/turn power (ES=0.5-0.6). Session-RPE showed high validity for load quantification (ICC=0.92), with HRV thresholds (<50ms RMSSD) effectively detecting overtraining states (AUC=0.89). CONCLUSION: Neuromuscular training efficacy in swimming depends critically on load modulation. High-intensity protocols, short-term tapering, and core/power training yield robust performance benefits. Personalized load monitoring using RPE or physiological biomarkers (e.g., HRV) is essential to balance adaptation and recovery. Future research should prioritize RCTs comparing periodization models in diverse athlete populations. 1.Amara, S., Crowley, E., Sammoud, S., Negra, Y., Hammami, R., Chortane, O. G., ... & van den Tillaar, R. (2021). What is the optimal strength training load to improve swimming performance? A randomized trial of male competitive swimmers. International journal of environmental research and public health, 18(22), 11770. 2.Filipa, A., Byrnes, R., Paterno, M. V., Myer, G. D., & Hewett, T. E. (2010). Neuromuscular training improves performance on the star excursion balance test in young female athletes. Journal of orthopaedic & sports physical therapy, 40(9), 551-558. 3.Khiyami, A., Nuhmani, S., Joseph, R., Abualait, T. S., & Muaidi, Q. (2022). Efficacy of Core Training in Swimming Performance and Neuromuscular Parameters of Young Swimmers: A Randomised Control Trial. Journal of clinical medicine, 11(11), 3198.
Read CV DINGDING CHENECSS Paris 2023: CP-AP24
INTRODUCTION: pull-ups, are widely incorporated into swim training due to their biomechanical similarity to swimming strokes. Pull-ups strengthen the muscles associated with swimming (back muscles, etc.).Despite their relevance, limited research has directly investigated the effects of pull-up training on swimming performance. This systematic review aims to (1) examine the impact of pull-up training on swimming performance and (2) explore its potential as a predictor METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for studies published between January 2014 and July 2024. The search strategy utilized the keywords ("pull-up" OR "chin-up") AND ("swimming" OR "swimmers"). Studies were excluded if they involved non-swimmers, lacked pull-up interventions, or exhibited low methodological quality. After screening, 11 studies were included and evaluated following PRISMA guidelines. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. RESULTS: The included studies primarily focused on freestyle/breaststroke. Pull-up velocity and power during the concentric phase showed significant correlations with short-distance swimming performance (50m and 100m). In contrast, the maximum number of pull-ups completed in a single attempt did not correlate with short-distance performance. Pull-up endurance (maximum repetitions within 30 seconds) was associated with middle- and long-distance freestyle performance. Training interventions targeting pull-up velocity effectively improved 50m freestyle performance, particularly in the first half of the race. However, high-intensity pull-ups (≈3RM) for post-activation potentiation (PAP) provided limited benefits. In breaststroke, athletes with greater pull-up endurance exhibited higher stroke frequencies during competitions. Females 1RM pull-up performance correlated with 50-yard freestyle performance, but no such correlation was observed in males. Pull-up velocity and power partially predicted short-distance performance, while velocity and repetition count moderately predicted middle- and long-distance performance. Pull-up performance remained largely unaffected by fatigue, limiting its utility as a condition indicator. Significant gender differences were noted, with 1RM pull-ups predicting short-distance performance only in females. CONCLUSION: Pull-up training enhances upper body strength and swimming performance, especially in short-distance events. Swimmers should focus on improving pull-up quality (velocity, power) over increasing repetition count. Gender differences in 1RM pull-up performance indicate upper body strength is more critical for female swimmers. After achieving maximal strength, training for explosive power and endurance may offer greater benefits. Limitations include small sample sizes and limited stroke coverage. Future research should explore pull-up training across strokes, distances, and genders, and assess its efficacy as a predictive metric and warm-up tool. add(also can poster)
Read CV Long LiECSS Paris 2023: CP-AP24