Attention to the preservation and promotion of health in the aquatic athlete maximizes performance. Knowledge of the common injuries directs attention towards injury prevention and minimizes time lost from training. Early identification of and appropriate intervention for medical issues is essential for the well being of the swimmer. The promotion of healthy nutritional habits serves to maintain health and enhance performance. As with all sports, attention should be paid to the ethics of fair play; an understanding of the doping control requirements as they pertain to aquatic athletes is important for all members of the athletes' entourage. Each of the five aquatic disciplines has unique health concerns common to that particular aquatic sport. Understanding the unique demands of the aquatic discipline and the specific injuries and illness is important for the development of a training program. Maximizing performance through the application of sport science and attention to medical issues is essential in the development of the aquatic athlete.
© Copyright 2012 World book of swimming: From science to performance. Published by Nova Science Publishers. All rights reserved.