The acute effects of different resistance training loads on repeated sprint ability in water polo players

Abstract

Purpose. combining resistance and in-water training is a common practice in water polo. The purpose of this study was to examine the acute effects of different external loads during resistance training on the repeated sprint ability in water polo players. Methods. A total of 9 national level water polo players (age: 21.5 ± 2.0 years) executed, on different occasions, a repeated sprint swimming test (8 × 25 m with a 30-s rest) following a low load (50% of 1-repetition maximum) or a high load (80% of 1-repetition maximum) resistance training that consisted of leg press and bench press exercises. During the control condition, the players only performed the repeated ability test. Indices of repeated sprint ability included the best 25-m time (best), the mean time (mean), and the heart rate after the 4 th and the 8 th 25-m effort. In addition, the performance decrement was calculated. Results. control and low load intensity conditions resulted in significantly faster best times than high load intensity (p < 0.01 and 0.05, respectively). Mean times were significantly faster during the control compared with the high load intensity condition (p < 0.05). Performance decrement and heart rate after the 4 th and the 8 th 25-m effort showed no differences between all 3 conditions (p > 0.05). Conclusions. These results suggest that when scheduling intrasession resistance and in-water training in water polo, low load programs should be preferred when the primary goal is the enhancement of repeated swimming performance.

Acute and Long-Term Effects of Concurrent Resistance and Swimming Training on Swimming Performance

“…Moreover, the training level of swimmers that were included in the narrative review was classified according to previously suggested criteria [29] and is presented in Table 2. Competing Level [11] Highly-Trained ≥3 6 National [30] Highlytrained ≥6 ≥6 National [7] Highlytrained --National [8] Highly-Trained --National [32] Highlytrained ≥5 ≥6 National [33] Elite/ international ≥5 ≥6 National/ International [4] Elite/ international ≥2 ≥6 National/ International [31] Highlytrained ≥2 ≥5 National ≥: greater or equal, -: undefined, RT: dry-land resistance training. Elite/ international ≥5 ≥6 National/ International [4] Elite/ international ≥2 ≥6 National/ International [31] Highlytrained ≥2 ≥5 National ≥: greater or equal, -: undefined, RT: dry-land resistance training.…”

“…To date, no study has examined the SWIM-RT order. In particular, these studies have used a repeated measures design and applied a counterbalanced [ 11 ] or randomized testing order [ 30 ]. Moreover, maximum strength (high loads) or muscular endurance (low loads) RT sessions were applied before a SWIM session that consisted of different training modes such as endurance [ 11 ] or repeated sprints [ 30 ].…”

“…In particular, these studies have used a repeated measures design and applied a counterbalanced [ 11 ] or randomized testing order [ 30 ]. Moreover, maximum strength (high loads) or muscular endurance (low loads) RT sessions were applied before a SWIM session that consisted of different training modes such as endurance [ 11 ] or repeated sprints [ 30 ]. Training characteristics of included studies in swimming that examined only the RT-SWIM order are reported in Table 3 .…”

“…In addition, the force during a 10 s tethered swimming sprint that was performed 5 min before starting the 5 × 400 m set was no different compared to that in the control condition (no RT) [ 11 ]. Applying the RT session at high load (80% of 1-RM) 20 min before SWIM decreased performance in the best and mean time during 8 × 25 m repeated sprints [ 30 ]. The decrement in mean performance time was attenuated, while the best time was not affected following a low-load session (50% of 1-RM) [ 30 ].…”

“…Applying the RT session at high load (80% of 1-RM) 20 min before SWIM decreased performance in the best and mean time during 8 × 25 m repeated sprints [ 30 ]. The decrement in mean performance time was attenuated, while the best time was not affected following a low-load session (50% of 1-RM) [ 30 ]. However, it should be noted that the total volume of RT sessions was not equal (3 sets of 8 repetitions at 50% of 1-RM vs. 3 sets of 8 repetitions at 80% of 1-RM) allowing a likely better recovery following the low-load session.…”