Adaptations of Energy Systems in Competitive Swimming: A Physiological Evaluation of a NCAA Division III Training Program
Author
Herring, Jodi Lynn
Subject
Washington and Lee University -- Honors in Biology
Swimming -- Training
Human physiology
Metadata
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The training effects of a 21-week swim season on anaerobic
threshold (AT) , maximum oxygen consumption (mV02) , and plasma
lactate were studied with six members of the Washington and Lee
University swim team as subjects. The season was subdivided into
discrete training phases, and percentages of energy systems
utilized in training each week were calculated. Swimming tests,
measuring plasma lactate, and treadmill tests, measuring AT and
mV02, were performed throughout the season to determine if the
expected adaptations were occurring. One increase in mV02 was
observed, two increases in AT were observed, and five of the
subjects had increased lactate levels, while only four swimmers
exhibited increasing velocity in the tests. Five physiological
adaptations were scrutinized based on these test results. It is
concluded that the training program is satisfactory.
Recommendations for optimization of the program are made.