Effects of Training and Taper on Neuromuscular Fatigue Profile on 100-m Swimming Performance

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of 6-week specific preparatory period and 2-week taper period on neuromuscular fatigue profile in 100-m front crawl swimming performance. Seventeen competitive-level young-adult swimmers performed a 100-m swimming performance at baseline and after 6-week specific preparatory followed by 2-week taper periods. Neuromuscular fatigue profile was assessed through percutaneous electrical stimuli on the femoral nerve during a maximal voluntary contraction performed before and immediately after each 100-m maximal effort. Performance improved (p = 0.001) 2.24 and 3.06 % after specific and taper, respectively. Potentiated peak force at post-effort condition decreased (p < 0.001) 16.26 % at baseline, 11.70 % at specific, and 12.86 % at taper period. Maximal voluntary contraction force also decreased (p < 0.001) at post-effort condition by about 6.77 and 9.33 % at baseline and specific period, respectively. Both variables did not present significant differences between times. No condition or time effects were observed to superimposed peak force and voluntary activation, both related to central fatigue. In conclusion, neuromuscular fatigue during 100-m swimming performance was exclusively developed by peripheral mechanisms regardless of the training period, and 2-week taper was able to prevent decreases in maximal voluntary contraction induced by 100-m maximal effort.

Countermovement-Jump and Pull-Up Performance Before and After a Swimming Race in Preparatory and Competitive Phases of a Swimming Season

“…As such, the magnitude of the fatiguing effect remains similar at both time points. Combined, our findings on CMJ and race performance (mean improvement 1.7%) align well with Ribeiro et al 30 , who demonstrated that after eight weeks of training targeted specifically for a 100 m front crawl competition, performance improved by 3.06%., with post-race decreases in measures such as peak force (16.26%) and maximal voluntary contraction force (9.33%). It is noted that 2 of our participants showed large decrements in race performance, which could potentially reflect under-training, overtraining, or even a pacing strategy adopted during the heats phase of the competition.…”

Optimizing performance and mood state in competitive swimmers through tapering strategies

“…In the same context, Filaire et al (2001) showed that mood state increase proportionally with increasing training load. The onset of fatigue during periods of high-volume training led to decreased Vigor-activity, which negatively affects the moods of competitive athletes ( Filaire et al, 2001 ; Bachelor et al, 2023 ). The total mood disturbance and all mood state variables remains unchanged after habitual training, supporting the idea that the tapering period characterized by a decrease in training volume and training load could positively affect the psychological state of competitive swimmers.…”

“…In the same context, Filaire et al (2001) showed that mood state increase proportionally with increasing training load. The onset of fatigue during periods of high-volume training led to decreased Vigor-activity, which negatively affects the moods of competitive athletes (Filaire et al, 2001;Bachelor et al, 2023). The total mood disturbance and all Mean (SD) rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and RPE session load per week during tapering period for each group.…”

“…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 fact, up until now, tapering strategies in swimming require even more insight and information (e.g., optimal training volume and intensity, training frequency) and more specifically their effects on psychological state of competitive swimmers.…”

“…Tapering period (1 to 3 weeks) positively affected psychological status (i.e., mood, wellness, anxiety, and stress) in several sports (e.g., rugby, cycling, triathletes, and tennis) ( O’Connor et al, 1989 ; Coutts et al, 2007a , b ). Reduction of psychological and physical fatigue after tapering may be an important factor in improving the mental state of competitive athletes ( Bachelor et al, 2023 ; Stone et al, 2023 ). In addition, a tapering period (2-week) characterized by a progressive decrease in training volume and maintenance of training intensity resulted in a decrease in rating of perceived exertion (RPE, 25.3%), which, improved perceived ratings of wellness (25.6 to 32.5%) and 20-m swimming performance (2.1%) [10] ( Botonis et al, 2019 ).…”