SWIMMING SCIENCE BULLETIN

Number 8

Produced, edited, and copyrighted by
Professor Brent S. Rushall, San Diego State University

EXTRACTED PRINCIPLES AND IMPLICATIONS FROM THE INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR AQUATIC RESEARCH ANNUAL - 1989-1990
[Adapted from NSWIMMING COACHING SCIENCE BULLETIN: Volume 1 Number 6 - December, 1992]
EDITORIAL

This issue of the Swimming Science Bulletin analyzes studies reported in the 1989-90 International Center for Aquatic Research Annual edited by Dr. John Troup. The center is situated in Colorado Springs, USA.

A number of years ago ICAR received considerable criticism which led to personnel changes and a reduction in its productivity. The standard of work conducted was evaluated and while not found to be invalid, suggestions were made to increase the stringency of controls exercised in experimental work. This writer made his own personal evaluation of the work done, item by item, and in this and subsequent summaries includes implications of findings that are acceptable. This is the reason why some of the entries and implications from the original ICAR publication are not included.

The purpose of this Bulletin is to highlight the major principles from each study in the 1989-90 Annual and explain their implications for coaching.

It is recommended that the reader obtain a copy of this ICAR report. It is handy to refer to the graphic material. After reading this Bulletin understanding of the studies in the report should be facilitated. The text reference and address for its purchase are:

Troup, J. (1990). International Center for Aquatic Research annual - Studies by the International Center for Aquatic Research, 1989-90. United States Swimming Press, 1750 East Boulder Street, Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA 80909-5770.

Table of Contents

PHYSIOLOGICAL STUDIES

  1. Selection of effective training categories.
  2. Energy contributions of competitive freestyle events.
  3. Selection of proper work duration and rest interval for high-intensity endurance training of 800 meters.
  4. Selection of proper work duration and rest interval for high-intensity swims of 200 meters.
  5. Developmental changes of age-group swimmers.

    TRAINING RESPONSES AND ADAPTATIONS

  6. The training response of highly trained swimmers .
  7. Selection of work duration based on swimming intensity.
  8. Adaptations to 60 versus 20 minutes of endurance training.
  9. Adaptations to interval training at common intensities and different work:rest ratios.
  10. Tapering: performance improvements as a result of reduced workloads.
  11. The effects of altitude training on sea-level swimming performance.

    BIOMECHANICAL STUDIES

  12. Race strategy: timing the start, turns, swim, and finish.
  13. Stroke technique changes during competitive swimming.
  14. The effects of shaving on swimming performance.
  15. The effects of drafting on training and performance capacity.
  16. Stroke patterns of sprint and distance swimmers.

    PSYCHOLOGICAL STUDIES

  17. Psychology differences between developmental and world-class swimmers.
  18. Psychological profiles of swimmers in training.

    NUTRITIONAL STUDIES

  19. Nutritional considerations for swimmers in training.
  20. Iron status of national-caliber swimmers.

Return to Table of Contents for Swimming Science Bulletin.