Characteristcs of Elite Open-Water Swimmers

• Autores: Jaci L. VanHeest, Carrie E. Mahoney, Larry Herr
• Localización: Journal of strength and conditioning research: the research journal of the NSCA, ISSN 1064-8011, Vol. 18, Nº. 2, 2004, págs. 302-305
• Idioma: inglés
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• Dialnet Métricas: 2 Citas
• Resumen

  • Open-water swimming (5, 10, and 25 km) has many unique challenges that separate it from other endurance sports, like marathon running and cycling. The characteristics of a successful open-water swimmer are unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the physical and metabolic characteristics of a group of elite-level open-water swimmers.

    The open-water swimmers were participating in a 1-week training camp. Anthropometric, metabolic, and blood chemistry assessments were performed on the athletes. The swimmers had a Vÿ O2peak of 5.51 6 0.96 and 5.06 6 0.57 ml·kg21·min21 for males and females, respectively. Their lactate threshold (LT) occurred at a pace equal to 88.75% of peak pace for males and 93.75% for females. These elite open-water swimmers were smaller and lighter than competitive pool swimmers. They possess aerobic metabolic alterations that resulted in enhanced performance in distance swimming. Trainers and coaches should develop dry-land programs that will improve the athlete�s muscular endurance. Furthermore, programs should be designed to increase the LT velocity as a percentage of peak swimming velocity.