Introduction: Tethered swimming is one of the most popular forms of training in swimming in order to improve strength (Maglischo, 2003). Specific strength training in water is more efficient for improvement of swimming performance (Tanaka & Swensen, 1998). The purpose of the present study was to compare traction force and heart rate produced in freestyle tethered swimming with maximum intensity using the protocol of a) three strokes followed by one breath, and b) six strokes followed by one breath. The duration of both tests was equal to the individual maximum performance time of 100m freestyle. Methods: The sample consisted of 10 competitive female swimmers, aged 16.0 ± 2.0 years, BH 166.8 ± 4.5 cm and BW 56.3 ± 2.0 kg. Their basic swimming style was freestyle and all of them were swimmers of small and middle distances. In order to determine the maximum performance time of 100m freestyle swimming, a 100m freestyle test of maximum intensity was measured in a 50m outdoor pool. All tests were completed in 3 different sessions. Heart rate and traction force was measured after each session. Results: The results were first submitted to a descriptive statistical analysis (averages and standard deviations). In order to identify differences between swimming with one breath followed by 3 strokes and 6 strokes, ANOVA analysis was used. The level of significance was set at p <.005. The mean maximum strength in the protocol of one breath followed by 3 strokes was 149.4 Newton and in 6 strokes was 136.3 Newton. The results showed that no significant statistical differences were found in maximum strength, mean strength and heart rate between the two different swimming protocols (Sig. .234, .217, .547, respectively). Discussion: Results showed that strength and heart rate of swimmers is not influenced by changes in breathing frequency in maximum swimming efforts. The results of this study provide useful information for swimming coaches, for the strength produced during swimming.
© Copyright 2014 19th Annual Congress of the European College of Sport Science (ECSS), Amsterdam, 2. - 5. July 2014. Veröffentlicht von VU University Amsterdam. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.