2018, Volume 10, Issue 2
The impact of the visual concurrent swimming speed control on improving the economization of swimming
Stefan Szczepan1, Krystyna Zatoń1, Jacek Borkowski2
1Department of Swimming, University School of Physical Education in Wroclaw
2Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, University School of Physical Education in Wroclaw
Author for correspondence: Stefan Szczepan; Department of Swimming, University School of Physical Education in Wroclaw; email: stefan.szczepan@awf.wroc.pl
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Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to determine the impact of the control of swimming velocity in real-time with the use of concurrent visual information on the economization of swimming.
Methods: The study involved swimmers. During the research, two stress tests were performed, in which subjects swam 200m freestyle. In both trials, the participants’ task was to swim the test distance as closely as possible to an individually pre-established set time. In the first test, subjects received no information on their swimming speed. In the second trial, subjects followed a beam of light at the bottom of the pool, which informed participants of the right swimming speed. The physiological cost of both efforts, which was an indicator of the economization of swimming, was estimated by the blood lactate (La).
Results: The difference in La obtained before and after the trial was statistically significantly lower (p=0.020) while swimming with visual information. The time difference between the designated time and the achieved time was statistically significantly lower while swimming with visual information (p=0.015).
Conclusion: Concurrent visual information delivered in real-time has enabled the control in swimming velocity and thus improves the economization of physical effort as marked by La.
Key words: swimming efficiency, pacing in swimming, visual information, concurrent information