Trinity, J. D., Pahnke, M. D., & Coyle, E. F. (2005). Maximal power measured during a taper in collegiate swimmers. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 37(5), Supplement abstract 249.

This investigation measured power, torque, velocity, and swimming performance during a 14-21 day taper. Ss (M = 24; F = 22) were divided into groups that tapered for men's and women's conference and national collegiate meets.

Power and torque improved significantly in the first 7-10 days of taper. Swimming performance was related to both measures in all groups.

Implication. Taper rejuvenates power and torque in the first 7-10 days of swimming preparations for competitions.

[Editor's Note: This study assumes that all trained swimmers in all swimming programs are in the same physical and mental shape prior to a taper. That is too presumptuous. Swimmers partake of a host of training experiences leaving a great diversity of physical and mental statuses before important meets when tapers are enacted. The results of this study most likely are peculiar to the limited-subject group employed in this investigation. One should not infer that the findings of this study are appropriate for any group of trained swimmers.]

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