Trappe, S., Costill, D., Lee, G., & Thomas, R. (1998). Effect of swim taper on human single muscle fiber contractile properties. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 30(5), Supplement abstract 220.

Changes in the contractile properties of both type I and IIa (fast-twitch oxidative) fibers of the deltoid muscle in swimmers (N = 6) were observed prior to and following a 21 -day taper.

• Swimming times improved by an average of 4%.
• There was no change in type I fiber diameter but type IIa fibers were 7% larger.
• Peak tension did not change in type I fibers but increased by 15% in type IIa fibers.
• Shortening velocity increased in both sets of fibers by 37% and 55% in type I and IIa fibers respectively.
• Type I fiber power was unaltered but type IIa increased by 114%.

Type IIa fibers are more affected by a taper than are type I fibers.

Implication. This is basic physiological evidence to support Costill's often said proposal that taper affects power more than it does endurance. Since this study only assessed one feature of a taper, it should not be concluded as being the only feature to change.

Return to Table of Contents for this issue.