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Laboratory-based ergometry for swimmers: a narrative review

Laboratory-based ergometry for swimmers: a narrative review

Cortesi, Matteo, Gatta, Giorgio, Swaine, Ian ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3747-1370, Zamparo, Paola and Konstantaki, Maria (2018) Laboratory-based ergometry for swimmers: a narrative review. The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness. ISSN 0022-4707 (Print), 1827-1928 (Online) (doi:10.23736/S0022-4707.18.09100-4)

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Abstract

INTRODUCTION:
First widely available dry-land training machines for swimmers were introduced about 40 years ago. They were designed so that swimmers could perform resistance exercise whilst more-closely replicating the movements of swimming, than when using other gymnasium-based resistance training machines. This narrative review categorises and summarises what has been shown by the studies that have utilised laboratory-based ergometry for swimmers.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION:
A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect and Scopus (1970-2018) and relevant publications were included. Publications were grouped into 4 main areas of research: (i) physiological responses to exercise, (ii) functional evaluation of swimmers, (iii) monitoring of training, and (iv) muscular work output of swimmers.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS:
Significant differences were showed between swim bench exercise and real swimming, especially in regard to the muscles involved. The difficulties of accurate reproduction of the movements and coordinated dynamic actions of swimming have not been overcome. Nevertheless, the literature shows that the use of these devices has provided a valuablecontribution to swimming physiology, while overcoming difficulties presented by attempting to make physiological measurements in the water.

CONCLUSIONS:
In spite of its limitations, laboratory-based ergometry has allowed a valuable contribution to the understanding of the physiology, effects of training and efficiency of swimming.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: swimming training machines; arm pull; power output; swimming power
Subjects: R Medicine > R Medicine (General)
R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC1200 Sports Medicine
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group: Faculty of Engineering & Science
Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > School of Human Sciences (HUM)
Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > Institute for Lifecourse Development > Centre for Exercise Activity and Rehabilitation
Last Modified: 22 Nov 2021 11:49
URI: http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/22080

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