Maximal Power and Performance during a Swim Taper

• Published in: International journal of sports medicine 2008-06, Vol.29 (6), p.500-506
• Main Authors: Trinity, J. D., Pahnke, M. D., Sterkel, J. A., Coyle, E. F.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adaptation, Physiological - physiology; Adolescent; Biological and medical sciences; Ergometry; Exercise Test; Exercise Tolerance - physiology; Female; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Humans; Oxygen Consumption; Swimming - physiology; Task Performance and Analysis; Time; Training & Testing; Vertebrates: body movement. Posture. Locomotion. Flight. Swimming. Physical exercise. Rest. Sports
• ISSN: 0172-4622; 1439-3964
• DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-965784

Abstract This study examined how altering training intensity during a taper impacts maximal mechanical power (P max ), torque at power maximum (T), velocity at power maximum (V), and swim performance (m · sec -1 ). Using an arm ergometer with inertial loading, measurements of P max , T, and V were made for 7 consecutive weeks prior to the taper and during the taper in 7 female competitive collegiate swimmers. Subjects were tested over two consecutive years. Swim performance was obtained from 3 competitive meets; a conference meet (CM), the conference championship meet (CONF) and the national championship meet (NAT). A 50 to 60 % increase in the amount of “high-intensity training” during the taper of 2005 (High-Intensity Taper - HIT) resulted in P max values that were 8 to 14 % higher (40 to 60 Watts) at all but one time point when compared to the 2004 taper (Low-Intensity Taper - LIT). Swim performance was significantly worsened at the NAT following LIT. However, with the HIT, swim performance, P max , and T were maintained prior to and at NAT. A large reduction in high-intensity training during a taper reduces the length of time that P max , T, and swim performance can be maintained at peak levels.