Health Status of USMS Swimmers Compared With a Representative Sample of the General Population

Erickson, Steven R.; Guthrie, Sally K.

doi:10.25035/ijare.06.03.07

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 17 publications

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“…A variety of sports, with running, cycling, and swimming most popular, are widespread among master athletes. As part of master sports, competitive or recreational swimming offers improvements in physical and mental health [1] independent of previous experience in the sport [2].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of age and gender in physiological responses, mechanics and performance of master swimmers

Lampadari¹,

Thanopoulos²,

Dopsaj³

et al. 2019

Hum Mov.

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Purpose. The purpose of the study was to analyse the effects of age and gender in physiological responses, mechanics (stroke frequency, stroke length, stroke index), and performance time of master swimmers. Methods. Overall, 34 male and 25 female master swimmers were divided into 2 age categories: (a) 30-39 years, (b) 40-49 years, and completed a 100-m freestyle swimming test with maximum intensity. Stroke mechanics and performance time were measured during the effort. Blood lactate concentration was determined after the test in the 3 rd , 5 th , and 10 th minutes of passive recovery. Results. Two-way ANOVA showed no interaction between gender and age category for any examined variable (p > 0.05). Maximum blood lactate was maintained in both genders despite ageing (p > 0.05) and was lower for females compared with males (p < 0.001). Higher values were observed for stroke frequency, stroke length, and stroke index for males (p < 0.05). For both genders, the 30-39 years category had significantly higher values for stroke length (p = 0.020) and lower for stroke frequency (p = 0.014), indicating that these swimmers can produce stronger strokes than those in the 40-49 years category. Performance time values were significantly lower for males compared with females (p < 0.001), but did not change with ageing (p > 0.05). Conclusions. Despite ageing, swimmers are able to maintain all examined variables through a structured swimming training but with a possible decrease in stroke mechanics, independent of gender. Better values were observed for males compared with females probably owing to a greater muscle mass in the former.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of age and gender in physiological responses, mechanics and performance of master swimmers

Lampadari¹,

Thanopoulos²,

Dopsaj³

et al. 2019

Hum Mov.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Additionally, the results showed that master swimmers suffering from high blood pressure considered themselves healthier. Using the same methodology, Erickson and Guthrie [ 26 ] found fewer physically and mentally unhealthy days and fewer inactive days due to health problems among master swimmers.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evaluation of Global Health in Master Swimmers Involved in French National Championships

et al. 2015

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BackgroundSwimming is often recommended as a means of increasing physical activity and gaining health benefits. The present study examined the psychological, social, and physical health states in competitive swimmers engaged in long-term training.MethodsThe study took place during the 4 days of the French master championships in France in 2011 (from 10 to 13 March). Global health parameters were evaluated and compared with general values reported in studies aiming to describe health standard values in France or Europe. All swimmers selected for the event were invited to participate in the study. Setting questionnaires concerning mental and social health (short form 36), physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire), and medication were administered. Peak expiratory flow (l.min−1) was measured, and body mass index (kg.m−2) was calculated from height (m) and body mass (kg). Prevalence of overweight and obesity was calculated by age and gender. Chi-squared tests were used to compare prevalence of overweight and obesity between participants and reference values. Short form 36 scores and physical activity (met.h.week−1) were compared with reference values by single t-tests. Two-way ANOVA was used to compare peak flow results with standard values. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05.ResultsOut of 1554 master swimmers, 490 participated in this study (rates of participation = 44.8 and 23.5 % for females and males, respectively). Data showed inequality of health indexes as compared with reference values, despite a significantly higher level of physical activity including swimming activity. The prevalence of obesity was significantly lower (p < 0.05), and peak expiratory flow values were higher among female swimmers (from 7.6 to 17 % higher according to the age, p < 0.05). Perception of vitality was significantly higher for all female swimmers and the older age groups of male swimmers (p < 0.05). Perception of bodily pain indicated significantly lower scores for swimmers than the reference values (p < 0.05). Significantly lower prevalence of swimmers taking medication was noted in comparison with the French national values (p = 0.012).ConclusionsCompared with reference data from various sources, master competitive swimmers used less medication, had lower rates of obesity in most age groups, had greater peak expiratory flow values suggesting improved lung function, had higher levels of total physical activity, and had more favorable scores for various subscales of the SF-36. The results argue in favor of competitive swimming for its positive effects on health outcomes.Key PointsFrench master swimmers involved in national championships have many positive health outcomes in terms of weight management, respiratory function, and vitality. However, the very high physical activity level in this competitive context did not result in significantly better levels on all parameters in comparison with their national counterparts (pain perception, social, emotional, and mental health).Positive health outcom...

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Health Status of USMS Swimmers Compared With a Representative Sample of the General Population

Cited by 2 publications

References 17 publications

Effects of age and gender in physiological responses, mechanics and performance of master swimmers

Effects of age and gender in physiological responses, mechanics and performance of master swimmers

Evaluation of Global Health in Master Swimmers Involved in French National Championships

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