Effects of Low-Volume, High-Intensity Training on Performance in Competitive Swimmers: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Nugent, FJ, Comyns, TM, Burrows, E, and Warrington, GD. Effects of low-volume, high-intensity training on performance in competitive swimmers: a systematic review. J Strength Cond Res 31(3): 837-847, 2017-The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the extent and quality of the current research literature to determine the effects of low-volume, high-intensity training (HIT) on physiological performance and swimming performance in competitive swimmers. The methodology followed the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis protocol. A search of relevant databases and conference proceedings was performed until December 2015. The inclusion criteria were (a) competitive swimmers, (b) ≥4 weeks HIT intervention, (c) comparison group had to involve a higher training volume, (d) outcome measures of physiological and swimming performance, and (e) all experimental study designs. Quality assessment was performed using the Quality Index checklist. Results indicate that of the 538 studies retrieved, 7 studies met the inclusion criteria. Six of the 7 studies found that an HIT intervention resulted in significant improvements in physiological performance. Four of the 7 studies found that HIT resulted in significant improvements in swimming performance, whereas none of the 7 studies resulted in a reduction in physiological or swimming performance. Despite the positive findings of this review, the short study duration is a limitation to a number of studies. The current evidence on the effects of HIT on performance is promising; however, it is difficult to draw accurate conclusions until further research has been conducted.

Quality Versus Quantity Debate in Swimming: Perceptions and Training Practices of Expert Swimming Coaches

“…A recent systematic review by Nugent et al (2016) found only 2 studies involving quality or HIT interventions in youth swimmers. The studies involved a 40 – 50% reduction in training volume for duration of 4 – 5 weeks and resulted in significant improvements in physiological performance (V02max, sub-maximal lactate indices and peak lactate indices) as well as swimming performance (Faude et al, 2008; Sperlich et al, 2010).…”

“…The systematic review by Nugent et al (2016) identified 4 HIT studies that were conducted on senior swimmers (Houston et al, 1981; Kame et al, 1990; Kilen et al, 2014; Termin and Pendergast, 2000). The studies ranged in duration from 6.5 weeks to 4 years.…”

“…A recently published systematic review by Nugent et al (2016) investigated the effects of low-volume, high-intensity training (HIT), otherwise known as quality training, on performance in competitive swimmers from youth to masters level. HIT is defined as repeated bouts of high intensity exercise from maximal lactate steady state to supramaximal exercise intensity, interspersed with recovery periods of low intensities or complete rest (Hawley et al, 1997).…”

<p>Ultra-Short Race-Pace Training (USRPT) In Swimming: Current Perspectives</p>

“…The lack of published literature to support USRPT has been previously highlighted by numerous critics. 20,48,49 A large amount of USRPT literature was found on the Swimming Science Journal, the personal website of Professor Brent Rushall; however, this literature was nonpeer reviewed, largely anecdotal and heavily biased. The use of peers to assess the work of fellow scientists has been a foundation of the publication process for at least 200 years.…”

“…[15][16][17] However, USRPT has resulted in a large amount of controversy in the swimming community. [18][19][20][21][22][23][24] The training methodologies of elite swimming coaches typically involve prescribing a high-volume, low-intensity training (HVT) program which is defined as a training program that focuses on performing low-intensity training (<2 mM blood lactate) of longer duration, 25 also referred to as a "traditional or yardage program". 26 Training volumes of around 40 km or 16 hrs per week are common in competitive swimmers, even among youth cohorts.…”