The Utilization of Metabolic Training Zones in Pubertal Swimmers

Abstract

Starting to train swimmers at an early age, as well as continuous training during the growth stages should target the achievement of the best results at both junior and senior levels. Considering the functional and somatic characteristics of pubertal swimmers, the training plan involved the use of workouts structured on metabolic training zones similar to those used at the senior level swimmers. The experiment aimed to highlight the effects of training methods based on the model for senior swimmers on the aerobic capacity of pubertal swimmers. Through advanced methods of monitoring the effort made by pubertal swimmers during training, we collected data which were then processed using statistical and mathematical methods. The analysis of the results from T-2000 Test before and after the observation period showed an average improvement of 40 seconds, indicating that the training plan based on training zones similar to the senior level swimmers produced a development in the aerobic capacity of the pubertal swimmers.

Keywords: Training zones, effort monitoring, pubertal swimmers, aerobic capacity, T-2000 Test

1. Introduction

Successful sports performance implies serious and well-coordinated training, which should use the

biological possibilities of the athlete as efficiently as possible. For this reason, the coach is compelled

to adapt the effort parameters depending on the functional and somatic characteristics of the swimmers’

age indicators, in order to obtain the best results and not to cause health problems.

“Aerobic training or cardiorespiratory endurance training improves central and peripheral blood

flow and enhances the capacity of the muscle fibers to generate greater amounts of adenosine

triphosphate” (Wilmore, Costill, & Kenney, 2008: 222).

Aerobic training is largely considered to be the most important aspect of physical fitness, and “all

athletes can benefit from maximizing their endurance” (Wilmore, Costill, & Kenney, 2008: 245).

According to Olbrecht (2000), “the better the aerobic system is developed, the more oxygen can be

used and the faster one can swim during prolonged exercises. Aerobic capacity is therefore the major

factor determining performance in long distance event”.

Aerobic effort capacity refers to the body’s possibilities to carry out sub-maximal moderate effort,

and to maintain it as long as possible through aerobic metabolism (oxidative phosphorylation) of the

carbohydrate and lipid sub-layer.

Access to new information about specific swimming effort has led to the division of effort into

areas with maximum influence on several biological factors. Marinescu (2003: 65) argues that the

“translation from the notion of distance to the notion of time has resulted in zones of effort in preparing

swimmers, and this zoning is based on energy sources specific to the try-out”.

We developed a 3-month training plan, during which we used both classical and metabolic aquatic

training methods. This allowed us to schedule the effort in different areas and monitor it afterwards

with the help of telemetric equipment and by measuring blood lactate concentration.

In order to determine the efficiency of using effort zones, the subjects were tested at the beginning

and the end of the observation period, with the intent to calculate the degree of improvement in their

aerobic capacity.

The main objective of this research paper is to obtain conclusive data on the influence and

efficiency of training effort zoning on the aerobic capacity of a group of pubertal swimmers, in order to

achieve improved performance in competitions.

2. Materials and methods

In developing this paper, we used the experimental method, controlled observation, testing method

(T-2000 Test), graphical method, and statistical and mathematical method with the following indices:

mean, standard deviation and variance.

3. Results

In Table 1, we can see that during 13 weeks the participants swam a total of 974,000 metres. Also,

in Table 2, Figure 1 and Figure 2, we highlighted the volume swum in each zone of effort.

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In Table 3 and Figures 3,4, 5 and 6, we can observe the data acquired with the effort monitoring

equipment throughout the training session. These represent the physiological responses of the pubertal

swimmers’ bodies to training sets which aim at different effort zones. The sets were standardized in

order to bring continuity in training and the possibility to observe the swimmers’ adaptation to their

requirements.

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From Table 2, we can observe an improvement of the results in the final assessment for all five

subjects. They swam in the second evaluation an average of 40s faster than in the first one. The biggest

progress was registered by the participant C.G., with 56 seconds. The smallest progress was registered

by the participant V.T., with 30 seconds (Fig. 7).

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4. Discussions and conclusions

The division of physical effort carried out by pubertal swimmers during aquatic training on the

model used for senior athletes offers the coaches an efficient way of enhancing the aerobic capacity.

Analysing the results obtained through the T-2000 test, we can conclude that the swimmers have

improved their aerobic capacity, as indicated by a decrease in total swimming time with an average of

40s.

Thus, by rational and rhythmic use of training methods based on zoning efforts throughout the

observation period, we achieved the improvement of the aerobic capacity in all of the subjects

research hypothesis is confirmed.

Also, by using advanced methods of monitoring the effort made by pubertal swimmers during

training, coaches can conduct workouts with greater accuracy in order to fulfil the training objectives.

The methods we have used are easy to implement in training pubertal swimmers. This helps them keep

their pleasure for long hours in the pool and their interest in competitive sports.

References

• Maglischo, E. W. (2003). Swimming Fastest. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

• Marinescu, Gh. (2003). Natație - efort și antrenament. București: BREN.

• Olbrecht, J. (2000). The Science of Winning. F & G Partners.

• Wilmore, J. H., Costill, D. L., & Kenney, W. L. (2008). Physiology of Sport and Exercise. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.