High-volume and high-intensity training in masters swimmers

INTRODUCTION. Training volume of swimmers averages approximately 20–30 training hours per week depending on the individual performance level (Sharp 2000). Moreover, a great part of the weekly training volume is usually performed at low intensity (Maglischo 2003; Mujika 1998; Sharp 2000). Recently the benefits on performance and physiological responses of high-intensity training has been reported in several athletes (Laursen & Jenkins 2002). As for high-intensity training in swimming, few studies mainly focused on youngs are available (Faude et al. 2008, Sperlich et al. 2010). The aim of the present study was to evaluate in high-level masters swimmers the effects of different training programs on performance. METHODS. Twelve master swimmers (males, 32 ± 5 yr) participated to 15 weeks of training. In the first 6 weeks they performed a high volume-low intensity training (HV-LI), swimming about 14 km/week. In the last 6 weeks, after 3 weeks of tapering, they performed a low volume-high intensity training (LV-HI) of about 7 km/week. All swimmers were tested before (PRE), after HV-LI and after LV-HI. In laboratory, they performed an incremental arm exercise test until exhaustion (891E, Monark, Sweden) in order to assess peak cardiovascular and metabolic values. In 25m swimming pool, they performed a 2000m endurance test and a 7 x 200m protocol for individual anaerobic threshold (Vant) assessment. The best time performance was assessed in 400m and 100m test. RESULTS. In relation to PRE: 1) peak oxygen consumption significantly increased both after HV-LI and LV-HI; 2) time performance on 2000m was not significantly reduced both after HV-LI and LV-HI; 3) Vant significantly increased only after LV-HI training; 4) time performance on 400m significantly improved both after HV-LI and LV-HI; 5) time performance on 100m significantly improved only after LV-HI. CONCLUSIONS. Maximal aerobic power increased after HV-LI and didn’t changed after LV-HI. This was associated with a better time performance on 2000m and 400m. Additionally, LV-HI training also improved 100m time performance and velocity at anaerobic threshold. Despite a consistent reduction (about 50%) of training volume, high-intensity training preserves the improvements in aerobic swimming performance and it is more effective on time performance in short distances.