Effect of High-Volume Training on Psychological State and Performance in Competitive Swimmers

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the effect of four weeks of aquatic high-volume training (HVT) on the psychological state (somatic, cognitive anxiety, and self-confidence) and sprint swimming performance (50 m front crawl) compared to the standard training program (moderate volume training) in competitive swimmers. Twenty-eight male competitive swimmers participated in this study and were randomly allocated into two groups: HVT group (n = 14; age = 16.4 ± 0.31 years) and control group that underwent the standard training program (n = 14; age = 16.1 ± 0.30 years). All psychological state variables and swimming performance were measured in pre and post-test. Our findings showed a significant increase in anxiety state (34.13% to 45.83%; ES = 3.26 to 3.38) and a significant decrease in self-confidence (18.43%; ES = 2.39) after four weeks of HVT, while all psychological state variables remained unchanged in the control group (p > 0.05). In addition, our results showed no significant enhancement in swimming performance in both groups (p > 0.05). The sudden increase in training mileage negatively affected the anxiety, decreasing the state of self-confidence of the participants. In addition, four weeks of high training volume are insufficient to improve swimming performance. To conclude, gradually increasing the volume of the training load may be an adequate solution to promote adaptation to the effort, thus maintaining the stability of the psychological state of swimmers. In addition, it is recommended to integrate a concurrent mental preparation program with high-volume training to monitor the psychological state of competitive swimmers.

Optimizing performance and mood state in competitive swimmers through tapering strategies

“…All aquatic training regardless before or during the intervention period consists of three categories ( Chortane et al, 2022 ; Amara et al, 2023 ):…”

“…For optimal performance on the day of a competitive swim meet, swimmers go through periods of preparatory training (i.e., aquatic swimming training, dry-land training) with the goal of improving several physical abilities (e.g., muscle strength, aerobic capacity and anaerobic capacity) ( Amara et al, 2023 ; Monteiro et al, 2023 ). Therefore, some negative effects (e.g., muscle fatigue, mental fatigue and injury) may appear during these preparatory training sessions ( De Martino and Rodeo, 2018 ; Chortane et al, 2022 ). For this reason, tapering is a common training strategy used to reduce fatigue and improve athletic performance ( Bachelor et al, 2023 ; Stone et al, 2023 ).…”

“…In the same context, a meta-analysis developed by Bosquet et al (2007) indicated that 8 to14 day progressive reduction in training volume of 41 to 60%, which maintains training intensity and frequency, was the optimal strategy of tapering for most swimmers and runners. In another context, standard training in swimming (e.g., aerobic and anaerobic training, high-volume training), and as in other sports, can cause negative effects on the psychological state, which requires the implementation of a tapering period in training strategies to reduce the negative effects of standard training ( Chortane et al, 2022 ).…”

“…All aquatic training regardless before or during the intervention period consists of three categories(Chortane et al, 2022;Amara et al, 2023): 1. Aerobic training: low and moderate aerobic training (warm-up, technical drills) i.e., 800 m, 4 × 400 m; at 50 to 75% of maximal heart rate (HRmax).…”

Effect of intensity training block on anxiety state and performance in competitive swimmers

“…To reach elite level in swimming, several abilities ( e.g . physical, psychological) must be developed during a swimmer’s career ( Amara et al, 2022 ; Chortane et al, 2022 ; Amara et al, 2023 ). Mental development promotes physical and physiological adaptation in swimmers during training and competition ( Clemente-Suárez et al, 2021 ).…”