Griffin, A., & Unnithan, V. B. (1997). Physiological effects on intense swimming competition on elite female swimmers. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 29(5), Supplement abstract 1617.

The effects of a weekend of intense swimming competition on aerobic power, anaerobic power and shoulder flexibility in a group of elite (national/international status) female swimmers (N = 8) was assessed. Testing occurred prior to and immediately after a weekend of competition, and on one separate occasion to establish diurnal variability in each measure.

It was found that intense competition caused symptoms of excitatory (acute) overtraining. Resting heart rate increased and maximal heart rate, blood lactate accumulation, and shoulder flexibility were reduced.

Implication. Training programs should focus on recovery and not on overload following a weekend of intense competitions.

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