NADAR! SWIMMING MAGAZINE - Science magazine in water sports and fitness - swimming, water polo, synchronized swimming, diving, water marathons

Predicting Breaststroke and Butterfly Stroke Results in Swimming Based on Olympics History

2024-02-14T15:15:40+00:00

Here we describe historic variations in Olympic breaststroke and butterfly performance and predict swimming results for the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo. The results of the finalists, winners, and last participants in the women’s and men’s finals were analyzed, and a mathematical predictive model was created. The predicted times for the future Olympics were presented. Swimming performance among Olympians has been steadily improving, with record times of 18.51 s for female finalists in the 100 m butterfly (a 24.63% improvement) and 31.33 s for male finalists in the 200 m butterfly (21.44%). The results in all analyzed groups showed improvement in athletic performance, and the gap between the finalists has narrowed. Women Olympians’ performances have improved faster than men’s, reducing the gap between genders. We conclude that swimming performance among Olympians is continuing to improve.

Editor's Note: Illustrative image. British swimmer Adam Peaty: defying statistics. Source: SS PRESS - SATIRO SODRÉ

Effectiveness of Swimming Program in Adolescents with Down Syndrome

2024-03-06T16:20:53+00:00

The aim of this study was to estimate the influence of a 33-week swimming program on aerobic capacity, muscle strength, balance, flexibility, and body composition of adolescents with Down syndrome (DS). Twenty-two adolescents diagnosed with DS were randomly allocated into the training group (T) and the control group (C). The T group participated in 33 weeks of water-based exercise and a swimming program while the control group maintained their normal daily activity. Following thirty-three weeks of swimming program, body mass, body fat, and BMI of the T group decreased significantly (from 56.8 ± 7.97 kg to 55.0 ± 7.11 kg, from 15.1 ± 4.47 kg to 13.2 ± 3.92 kg, and from 25.1 ± 2.37 to 24.0 ± 2.05, respectively) while a significant increase was recorded in C (from 57.3 ± 8.43 kg to 59.7 ± 8.29 kg, from 14.5 ± 2.76 kg to 16.0 ± 3.11 kg, and from 25.4 ± 2.46 to 26.0 ± 2.72, respectively). Moreover, significant improvement in aerobic capacity in the T group was noted; VO2max (mL/kg/min) increased by 16.3% in T and decreased by 4.8% in C. Improvement in static arm strength, trunk strength and endurance/functional strength were noted in T, while the parameters did not change in C. The speed of arm movement, balance and flexibility did not change following the intervention. Also, the aquatic skills improved significantly in the training group. Changes in C were not significant. The results of our study indicate that 33-week swimming program significantly improved health status and swimming skills in adolescents with DS.

Influences of Psychomotor Behaviors on Learning Swimming Styles in 6–9-Year-Old Children

2024-03-26T14:55:44+00:00

The aim of this study was to identify the existence of some relationships between certain psychomotor behaviors, which we consider specific to swimming, and learning to execute the technique of some swimming styles (front crawl and backstroke). The study was carried out for 10 months and included 76 children (40 boys and 36 girls) aged between 6 and 9 years who practice recreational swimming in a city in Romania. Several tools were used: the Tapping test for manual dexterity, the Goodenough test for body schema, the Flamingo test for static balance, and the horizontal buoyancy test for body balance on the water. The results indicated better ratings on all psychomotor behaviors analyzed according to gender (in favor of girls compared to boys). The levels of all analyzed psychomotor behaviors have a direct relationship to the subjects’ age. Also, we identified moderate positive correlations for manual dexterity (rs = 0.63 in the front crawl style; rs = 0.57 in the backstroke style) and strong correlations for body schema, static balance and buoyancy, coordination with the learning of the two swimming styles (r or rs between 0.77 and 0.85). In conclusion, psychomotor behaviors can be predictors for learning swimming styles.

Effects of Aquatic Exercises for Patients with Osteoarthritis

2024-05-17T14:23:01+00:00

This systematic review examined papers published in Korean, English and newer publications that were not included in previous studies to assess the effect size of aquatic exercise-based interventions on pain, quality of life and joint dysfunction among patients with osteoarthritis. Six national and international databases were used to review literature (published up to 7 March 2019) on randomized controlled trials of aquatic exercise-based interventions in patients with osteoarthritis. For the 20 studies included, a meta-analysis showed that aquatic exercise produces 0.61-point reduction (n = 756; mean difference (MD) = −0.61; 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.90–−0.32) in pain compared with a control group, and aquatic exercise was effective in reducing pain (n = 315; MD = −0.28; 95% CI: −0.50–−0.05) compared with a land-based exercise group. Another meta-analysis showed that aquatic exercise produces 0.77-point improvement in quality of life (n = 279; MD = −0.77; 95% CI: −1.38–−0.15) compared with a control group. Finally, a meta-analysis showed that aquatic exercise produces 0.34-point reduction in joint dysfunction (n = 279; MD = −0.77; 95% CI: −1.38–−0.15) compared with a control group. For patients with osteoarthritis, aquatic-exercise-based interventions are effective for reducing pain and joint dysfunction and improving quality of life.

Do Longer Fins Improve Ocean Rescues?

2024-06-13T15:24:24+00:00

Coastal environments present dynamic challenges necessitating rapid and efficient responses during aquatic emergencies. Lifeguards, as pivotal links in the intervention chain, rely on various tools, with rescue time being paramount. The choice of fins, specifically long versus short ones, plays a critical role in optimizing lifeguard performance during rescues. This randomized cross-over study explores the impact of flipper size on ocean rescues, employing a sample of 14 lifeguards. Long fins (LFs) and short fins (SFs) were compared in terms of rescue time (RT) and physiological load (PL). Tests included ocean rescues without fins (R), with LF (R-LF), and with SF (R-SF). Variables recorded encompassed swim approach time, tow-in time, overall rescue time, perceived exertion rates (RPEs), and post-rescue lactate concentration. Long fins demonstrated superior performance in swim approach and tow-in times compared to both short fins and no fins (p < 0.001). Overall rescue time favored long fins significantly (p < 0.001), indicating their efficiency in practical ocean rescue scenarios. Physiologically, long fins induced lower perceived exertion in arms (p = 0.033) compared to short fins. Lactate concentrations post-rescue revealed no significant differences (p > 0.05). This study demonstrates that long fins significantly improve lifeguard performance during ocean rescues, reducing rescue times and alleviating arm fatigue.

Swimming in Data

2024-08-16T15:42:58+00:00

Ladies and Gentlemen, this is the Olympic Final,” thunders from the loudspeakers, yet it is barely audible over the deafening roar of a crowd ten thousand strong. One long blast of the referee’s whistle summons eight of the world’s fastest swimmers to the starting blocks. The air is thick with anticipation as the noise of the crowd gradually fades and tunnel vision sets in. To compete in the Olympics is to have arrived at the pinnacle of one’s sport. It is the realization of a dream shared by the youngest summer league swimmer and the most outstanding professional. It is the realization of years of sacrifice—grueling workouts, lost sleep, missing out on adolescent rites of passage. And now, in front of millions of fans, the chance to bring home a medal, to stand on the podium draped in the national flag, to feel that all of the hard work and sacrifice was worth it. The chance to make history is at hand.

“Take your mark.”

Nutrition in Ultra-Endurance

2024-08-30T16:47:17+00:00

Athletes competing in ultra-endurance sports should manage nutritional issues, especially with regards to energy and fluid balance. An ultra-endurance race, considered a duration of at least 6 h, might induce the energy balance (i.e., energy deficit) in levels that could reach up to ~7000 kcal per day. Such a negative energy balance is a major health and performance concern as it leads to a decrease of both fat and skeletal muscle mass in events such as 24-h swimming, 6-day cycling or 17-day running. Sport anemia caused by heavy exercise and gastrointestinal discomfort, under hot or cold environmental conditions also needs to be considered as a major factor for health and performance in ultra-endurance sports. In addition, fluid losses from sweat can reach up to 2 L/h due to increased metabolic work during prolonged exercise and exercise under hot environments that might result in hypohydration. Athletes are at an increased risk for exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH) and limb swelling when intake of fluids is greater than the volume lost. Optimal pre-race nutritional strategies should aim to increase fat utilization during exercise, and the consumption of fat-rich foods may be considered during the race, as well as carbohydrates, electrolytes, and fluid. Moreover, to reduce the risk of EAH, fluid intake should include sodium in the amounts of 10–25 mmol to reduce the risk of EAH and should be limited to 300–600 mL per hour of the race.

Sun Smart Schools Nevada

2024-09-23T14:20:08+00:00

Cumulative exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV) is a risk factor for development of skin cancer. We estimated changes in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among Nevada school-age children following implementation of a program to decrease UV exposure.

Influence of a Specific Aquatic Program on Social and Gross Motor Skills in Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders

2024-10-08T15:23:05+00:00

Swimming pool activities revealed to be efficacious to train psychomotor skills and increase adaptive behaviors in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a specific multi-systemic aquatic therapy (CI-MAT) on gross motor and social skills in three adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Methods: three adolescents with ASD of which two boys (M1 with a chronological age of 10.3 years and a mental age of 4.7 years; M2 with a chronological age of 14.6 and a mental age inferior to 4 years) and one girl (chronological age of 14.0 and a mental age inferior to 4 years). The study was divided into three phases: baseline, 12-week CI-MAT program and Post-Test. Participants were administered a battery of tests incorporating anthropometric measurements, gross motor development test and a social skills questionnaire before and after a 12-week MAT-CI program. Results: Subjects improved locomotors and object control skills following the CI-MAT program in a different way. Concerning social behaviors, the higher proportion of gains was observed in the sensitivity of other’s presence and eye contact, for the contact domain, and in the comply turn for the relationship domain. Conclusions: The results of this study showed that the CI-MAT program was effective for the development of gross-motor skills and social behaviors in subjects with ASD. Moreover there is an urge to carry out a whole psychological assessment targeting both motor and adaptive development suitable to provide educational and vocational plans of exercises for people with ASD.

The Effectiveness of Shoulder Mobility and Strength Programs in Competitive Water-Polo Players

2024-12-05T14:25:14+00:00

Water-polo is the water sport with the highest incidence of injuries, with shoulder pain being the most common one. The understanding of risk factors and guidance on preventive measures is essential in this sport discipline. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a specific 6-week training plan on range of motion (ROM) and joint strength levels in a group of professional water-polo players. Methods: Quasi-experimental study with a sample of 28 participants (age: 20.1 ± 2.5 years; height: 176.9 ± 6.2 cm; body mass: 74.6 ± 8.1 kg). Three study groups, which consisted of one control group and two experimental groups, were established. Two repeated measurements, pre and post intervention, were performed. During these measurements, ROM of the glenohumeral joint was analyzed both in external (ER) and internal (IR) rotation, as well as the maximal isometric strength. Conclusions: The application of a training program improved glenohumeral joint ROM. ER and IR evolve differently in both shoulders. ER improved only in the throwing arm only in the group undergoing intervention but for the non-dominant side, improvements were observed in both ER and IR, regardless of whether or not they had followed the intervention plan. No improvements were observed in either the isometric strength or contralateral asymmetries.

OFFICIAL RULES DIVING

2024-03-08T14:37:46+00:00

These rules apply to all Diving competitions covered by BL 9 and GR 9 (Olympic Games and World Championships), BL 10 (Diving World Cup) and GR 10 (World Age Group Championships).

Vital Signs

2024-06-26T16:33:01+00:00

Drowning is the cause of approximately 4,000 U.S. deaths each year and disproportionately affects some age, racial, and ethnic groups. Infrastructure disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic, including limited access to supervised swimming settings, might have affected drowning rates and risk. Data on factors that contribute to drowning risk are limited. To assess the potential impact of the pandemic on drowning death rates, pre– and post–COVID-19 pandemic rates were compared.

Aerobics for synchronized swimming athletes

2024-04-22T16:08:55+00:00

This article is a summary of the talk presented at the "International Seminar for Coaches and Judges in Synchronized Swimming in the American Cup - 08/1990 Irvine, CA" with the participation of more than 20 countries. Synchronized swimming is the example used in this article, but it is vital to realize that aerobics can be of great value in physical preparation for competitive sport. To do this, simply maintain the same structure and principles, adapting to the needs of the target sport.

A new concept for evaluating beginning swimmers

2024-12-12T15:09:27+00:00

Much is said about the early demands in swimming on beginner children, in the competitive context. What we see happening in reality is something very far from the ideal for training athletes who reach their peak not in the child/petiz categories, but rather in the categories above that age group, and preferably reaching adulthood as practitioners of the sport. The preferred orientation should establish healthy foundations, considering the pleasure of practicing sport as a fundamental point for future success. This article presents an innovative proposal.

Constructivist philosophy in teaching swimming

2024-12-18T15:11:53+00:00

Considering that swimming lessons are mostly aimed at learning the four strokes for a possible referral to competitive swimming, we believe that the learner is generally not capable of “getting rid” of possible negative situations in the water. The loss of the feeling of support and the change from a vertical to a horizontal position makes the sensations new and often adverse. Furthermore, in swimming pools, due to a maintenance and filtration problem, it is mandatory to wear a swimming cap, which prevents the problem of hair getting in the way of the face and water constantly running down, a situation that can occur with our beginner outside of the class, making him incapable of solving problems. Furthermore, accidents can occur with clothes, shoes and in “n” other ways that are not foreseen in formal swimming lessons. This study aims to propose a learning methodology that includes training for the various possibilities that water offers.

Long-Term Swimmer Development (LTAD) Model

2024-07-11T15:05:11+00:00

Achieving excellence in swimming requires a well-structured course that considers the physical, technical, tactical and psychological development of swimmers over a long period. The LTAD - Long Term Athlete Development Model in swimming aims to provide swimmers with age-appropriate training, progression and support throughout their developmental journey. In Brazil, following the global trend, with support from the IOC - International Olympic Committee, the COB - Brazilian Olympic Committee developed the Brazilian Olympic Committee's Sports Development Model (2022).

Perception of parents and teachers of autistic students with Swimming + Safer methodology

2024-11-01T14:46:37+00:00

Objective of the study: to monitor the experience of autistic students, their parents and teachers in safer swimming.

Methodology/approach: cross-sectional, qualitative and quantitative research with autistic students.

Originality/Relevance: first study to use the Aquacity and Drowning Prevention Knowledge Level (NCPA) tests with autistic students. The pool is a pleasant place for children with autism, however, this is a group of people who are at greater risk of drowning due to reduced awareness of danger and attraction to water.

Main results: the autistic student's Aquacity level went from 4 (poor) to 10 (excellent); the teachers' perception was that the student began to verbalize more during class, to the point of demanding his own time to start the tasks, calling the teacher when he wanted to know what was to be done and asking not to receive help from the teachers. Furthermore, the autistic student improved his concentration, sustained attention during class, listening time, wandering behavior, began to follow the instructions given by the teachers, to carry out the activities with enthusiasm and, above all, his autonomy in water and his awareness of the risk of drowning. The parents noticed that their son was happy to know that he would have swimming lessons that day.

Theoretical/methodological contributions: it can be concluded that procedural content associated with attitudinal and conceptual content were efficient in improving, in addition to aquacity, the NCPA and also the communication and social interaction of the student studied.

EBOOK - 2024: NADAR! SWIMMING MAGAZINE - VOLUME 4 ONLINE - Nº. 167

2025-01-20T16:39:32+00:00

SUMMARY

Original Article

Perception of parents and teachers of autistic students with the Swimming + Safe methodology

Disclosure

Long-Term Swimmer Development (LTAD) Model

Digital Version

Aerobics for synchronized swimming athletes

A new concept for evaluating beginning swimmers

The constructivist philosophy in teaching swimming: Methodological proposal

Portuguese version

Predicting breaststroke and butterfly results in swimming based on the history of the Olympics

Effectiveness of a Swimming Program in Adolescents with Down Syndrome

Influences of psychomotor behaviors on learning to swim in children aged 6 to 9 years

Effects of aquatic exercises in patients with osteoarthritis
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW WITH METANALYSIS

Do longer fins improve ocean rescues?
A COMPREHENSIVE INVESTIGATION INTO LIFESAVER PERFORMANCE AND PHYSIOLOGICAL IMPACT

Swimming in data
HOW DIGITAL SWIMMER CLONE TECHNOLOGY WORKS

Ultra-Endurance Nutrition
STATE OF THE ART

Sun Smart Schools Nevada
INCREASING KNOWLEDGE AMONG SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN ABOUT ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION

Influence of a Specific Aquatic Program on Social and Gross Motor Skills in Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders
THREE CASE REPORTS

The Effectiveness of Shoulder Mobility and Strength Programs in Competitive Water Polo Players

Official Announcements

OFFICIAL RULES ORNAMENTAL JUMPING 2017-2021

Vital signs
DROWNING MORTALITY RATES, SELF-REPORTED SWIMMING ABILITY, PARTICIPATION IN SWIMMING LESSONS, AND RECREATIONAL WATER EXPOSURE - UNITED STATES, 2019–2023