Rowbottom, D., Maw, G., Raspotnik, L., Morley, E., & Hamilton, E. (2001). Biological variables to assist in fatigue management are individualized in highly trained swimmers. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 33(5), Supplement abstract 1920.

Highly trained swimmers (N = 12) were monitored weekly during a 15-wk preparatory period for major and international competitions. Each week on the same day, a resting blood sample was taken and assayed, and a 200-m time trial was performed followed by a lactate and RPE determination.

It was found that one or more biological variables in each swimmer correlated with negative progressions in training, but there was no consistency across the group.

Implication. There are no consistent biological indicators that relate to declining training in elite swimmers. Individual profiles are possible, and so such monitoring needs to be conducted on a single-swimmer basis.

Return to Table of Contents for this issue.