Effects of periodization on aerobic, anaerobic, mechanical, biochemical parameters and performance in swimmers

• Grant number: 12/04488-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: June 01, 2012
• End date: May 31, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physical Education
• Principal Investigator: Ismael Forte Freitas Júnior
• Grantee: Camila Dantas Brum
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia (FCT). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Presidente Prudente. Presidente Prudente , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The periodization of training is the gradual cycle of specificity, intensity and volume of training for the athlete to achieve peak performance. The division of training in periods can enable the systematic development of the various qualities required in a particular modality, which are critical to performance because they are evident at the desired moment. Moreover, this type of training provides conditions to adjust the stimuli applied to the athlete in order to monitor and increase some of its specific characteristics aimed at boosting athletic performance. Research has shown that changes in volume and intensity during training are accompanied by metabolic and hormonal alterations. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), cortisol and testosterone are biochemical markers used as indirect indicators for evaluating muscle damage, and that along with complete blood count may reflect the athlete's physiological response to training. Another important aspect to be evaluated is the mechanics of swimming, a determining factor that should be considered in the evaluation of training programs in swimming. The model is a tied swim ergometer for evaluation of alternate aerobic and anaerobic fitness as well as being sensitive to the training, be related to performance, and have a good reproductibility. Thus, the overall objectives of this study will assess the effects of periodization parameters on aerobic, anaerobic, mechanical, biochemical, and performance of swimmers. Specifically, anthropometric and body composition measurements of swimmers will be performed, along with their aerobic capacity and anaerobic in tied swimming, aerobic capacity in freestyle through the determinations of blood lactate concentrations, length, frequency and stroke index, maximum performance in tests of 200 m, biochemical markers of muscle damage (CK, LDH, cortisol and testosterone). We intend to establish correlations between the biomarkers and physiological variables and mechanical performance of swimmers throughout the different phases of swimming training in order to establish reference values for this specific population.