Arnett, M. G. (2000). The effect of a morning and afternoon practice schedule on morning and afternoon swim performance. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 32(5), Supplement abstract 1693.

Competitive swimmers (M = 6; F = 4) were monitored across four months of a morning (four times per week) and afternoon (5 times per week) practice schedule. Training volume, relative intensity, and frequency were the same for all Ss. Morning and afternoon outcomes were measured before and after the observation period. Swimmers performed a 100-yd time trial, body temperature was measured before the test swim, and ratings of perceived exhaustion were gathered after the swim.

The morning and afternoon practice schedule did not affect diurnal body temperature. Performance differences lessened between the two swimming sessions as training progressed.

Implication. For swimmers accustomed to training twice a day, the alternating sessions have little effect on performance and bodily responses.

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