SWIMMING SCIENCE BULLETIN

This issue of the Swimming Science Bulletin analyzes studies reported in the 1990-91 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 1990-91 Annual and explain their implications for coaching. It is the second issue devoted to the work conducted at ICAR in its initial years.

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. (1991). International Center for Aquatic Research annual - Studies by the International Center for Aquatic Research, 1990-91. United States Swimming Press, 1750 East Boulder Street, Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA 80909-5770.

1. Aerobic:anaerobic characteristics of the four competitive strokes.
2. Measurement of swimming anaerobic capacity.
3. Selection of workout test sets to monitor training gains and determine performance capacity.
4. Growth and developmental changes of the age-group swimmer.
   TRAINING RESPONSES AND ADAPTATIONS

5. The effect of sprint or endurance training on the aerobic:anaerobic capacities.
6. Differences in the rate of anaerobic energy release as a result of high-intensity versus low-intensity interval training.
7. Hundred-meter freestyle-specific training using various interval training set designs.
8. Endurance-based training using various interval sets.
9. The time course of physiological adaptations made during altitude training.
   BIOMECHANICAL STUDIES

10. The importance of propelling and mechanical efficiencies.
11. World championship video analysis of competitive swimming, and whole-body analysis of competitive swimming events.
12. A descriptive analysis of the undulating breaststroke technique in swimming.
13. Muscle activity and the freestyle stroke cycle.
14. The effects of fatigue on freestyle technique and muscular activity.
    PSYCHOLOGICAL STUDIES

15. Using ratings of perceived exertion for pace prescription.
16. Psychological skills of elite age-group swimmers.
17. Characteristics of the competitive swim coach.
18. Effects of relaxation techniques on competitive anxiety.
19. Peak performance in elite swimmers: case study analysis.
    NUTRITIONAL STUDIES

20. Carbohydrate energy use during various interval training distances at common speeds.
21. The effect of altered caloric and protein intake on the nitrogen balance of swimmers in heavy training.
22. The effects of hydration and carbohydrate supplementation during exposure to moderate altitude.
23. The effect of acute swim exercise on fat metabolism in collegiate female swimmers.

Return to Table of Contents for Swimming Science Bulletin.