No abstract

Knowledge in the scientific domain of individual medley (IM) swimming training over a competitive season is limited. The purpose of this study was to propose a detailed coaching framework incorporating the key elements of a periodized training regimen for a 400 m IM swimmer. This framework was based on the available coaching and scientific literature and the practical experience and expertise of the collaborating authors. The season has been divided in two or three macrocycles, further divided in three mesocycles each (six or nine mesocycles in total), in alignment with the two or three main competitions in each macrocycle. The principal training contents to develop during the season expressed in blood lactate zones are: aerobic training (~2 mmol·L−1), lactate threshold pace (~4 mmol·L−1) and VO2max (maximum oxygen uptake) (~6 mmol·L−1). Strength training should focus on maximum strength, power and speed endurance during the season. Altitude training camps can be placed strategically within the training season to promote physiological adaptation and improvements in performance. A well-constructed technical framework will permit development of training strategies for the 400 m IM swimmer to improve both training and competitive performance.

We examined the degree to which 200-m and 400-m Individual Medley (IM) performance was related to sprint-, middle- and long-distance events before a swimmer reached a Top-20 world ranking. A retrospective longitudinal modelling study was conducted. Data on Top-20 swimmers between 2010 and 2018 were obtained from publicly available websites. A general linear model was used to examine associations between 200-m and 400-mIM performance (FINA ranking points) and performance in sprint, middle-distance and distance events in the previous two years. In the 200-mIM, there were significant associations (p < 0.001) between prior competition results obtained for both the 200-mIM (r = 0.80; β = 0.543) and 400-m IM (r = 0.70; β = 0.317) events before the Top-20 performance in 200-mIM in the year of the Top-20. Sprint distance events were associated (p < 0.006; r = 0.39; β = 0.088) with 200-mIM (t). Each additional 10 FINA points in the 200-mIM in each of the two years preceding the Top-20 performance. were associated with an increase of 5 FINA points in 200-mIM in in the year of the Top-20 (goodness of fit R 2 = 0.70). There were similar associations (p < 0.001) for a Top 20-FINA 400-mIM performance with both 200-mIM (r = 0.72; β = 0.385) and 400-m IM (r = 0.79; β = 0.492) events in the two years before a swimmer reached the Top-20. Middle-distance events were associated with 400-mIM performance (p < 0.001; r = 0.53; β = 0.163). Each additional 10 FINA points in 400-mIM in in each of the two years preceding the Top-20 performance were associated with an increase of 5 FINA points in in the year that a swimmer reached the Top-20 (goodness of fit R 2 = 0.75). The specificity and complexity of the IM require a thorough preparation in this event for world-class performances. The 200-mIM is more closely related to sprint distance events, whereas middle-distance events support preparations for the 400-mIM.

The objective was to quantify parallel changes in performance and physiological measures in relation to periodization of sequential altitude training over a season in elite swimmers. The altitude training of four female and two male international swimmers in selected seasons was examined using a collective case study approach. All swimmers were a medalist in World (WC) and/or European Championships (EC) 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2018 in short or long course competition. A traditional periodization model was employed using three macrocycles with 3–4 altitude camps (duration 21–24 days each) scheduled over the season, following a polarized training intensity distribution (TID) with a volume ranged between 729 km and 862 km. The timing of return from altitude prior to competition was between 20–32 days, with 28 days the most common period. Competition performance was assessed with major (international) and minor (regional or national) competitions. Hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, anthropometric characteristics, were measured before and after each camp. Competition performance following the altitude training camps improved by 0.6% ± 0.8% (personal best time; mean ± SD) (95% confidence limits (CL) 0.1%–1.1%), 1.6% ± 0.7% (95% CL 1.2% to 2.0%) (season best time) and 1.6% ± 0.5% (95% CL 1.3%–1.9%) (previous season time). Hemoglobin concentration increased 4.9% from pre-to post-altitude training camps, while hematocrit increased by 4.5%. The sum of six skinfolds reduced by 14.4% (95% CL 18.8%–9.9%) and 4.2% (95% CL 2.4%–9.2%) for the two males (EC), and by 15.8% (95% CL 19.5%–12.0%) for two females (WC). Three to four altitude training camps in a competitive season, around 21–24 days of duration, scheduling the last return between 20–32 days before the main competition, integrated in a traditional periodized sequence, can induce worthwhile improvements in international swimming performance, hematological parameters, and anthropometric characteristics.

Swimming performance achieved in 50-m, 100-m and 200-m events in each swimming stroke could have an influence in the final performance in individual medley events. We sought to quantify the relative contributions of performance in individual stroke events to top-10 world ranked IM competition performance. We examined competition results of top-10 world ranked IM swimmers (90 males and 90 females) between 2012 and 2018. A general linear model was developed to examine association between the 200m- and 400m-IM and predictor variables of competition performance in other 50-m, 100-m and 200-m events. The main predictor variable for 200-mIM medalist status was having scored more than 900 FINA points in at least one 100-m event. Scoring more than 800 FINA points in at least two 200-mIM events, and more than 900 FINA points in at least one 100-m event, was important for success in the 400-mIM. Top-10 world ranked 200-mIM and 400-mIM swimmers require a world class standard in one or more individual stroke event(s).