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We examined the degree to which 200-m and 400-m Individual Medley (IM) performance was related to sprint-, middle- and long-distance events before a swimmer reached a Top-20 world ranking. A retrospective longitudinal modelling study was conducted. Data on Top-20 swimmers between 2010 and 2018 were obtained from publicly available websites. A general linear model was used to examine associations between 200-m and 400-mIM performance (FINA ranking points) and performance in sprint, middle-distance and distance events in the previous two years. In the 200-mIM, there were significant associations (p < 0.001) between prior competition results obtained for both the 200-mIM (r = 0.80; β = 0.543) and 400-m IM (r = 0.70; β = 0.317) events before the Top-20 performance in 200-mIM in the year of the Top-20. Sprint distance events were associated (p < 0.006; r = 0.39; β = 0.088) with 200-mIM (t). Each additional 10 FINA points in the 200-mIM in each of the two years preceding the Top-20 performance. were associated with an increase of 5 FINA points in 200-mIM in in the year of the Top-20 (goodness of fit R2 = 0.70). There were similar associations (p < 0.001) for a Top 20-FINA 400-mIM performance with both 200-mIM (r = 0.72; β = 0.385) and 400-m IM (r = 0.79; β = 0.492) events in the two years before a swimmer reached the Top20. Middle-distance events were associated with 400-mIM performance (p < 0.001; r = 0.53; β = 0.163). Each additional 10 FINA points in 400-mIM in in each of the two years preceding the Top-20 performance were associated with an increase of 5 FINA points in in the year that a swimmer reached the Top-20 (goodness of fit R2 = 0.75). The specificity and complexity of the IM require a thorough preparation in this event for worldclass performances. The 200-mIM is more closely related to sprint distance events, whereas middle-distance events support preparations for the 400-mIM.

Background: The main objectives of this study were to analyze the effect of early specialization in swimming and to observe the general patterns of success of two different sport specialization models [Spanish (SPA) and United States of American (USA) swimmers] participating in World Championships (WCs) and Olympic Games (OGs) between the years 2006 and 2021 of all swimming strokes and distances. Methods: Descriptive analyses and contingency tables were examined for all the variables. Explanatory models of the z scores were estimated from age depending on the events’ distances and strokes. Quadratic regression models were developed to capture the behavior of the variable time with parabolic functions, and the significance of the global model and the predictor variables (age) were also evaluated. In addition, the optimal age (peak performance) as well as the curvature of the model were analyzed. These models were compared between SPA and USA swimmers. Results: The results showed that the main differences in the patterns to success between SPA and USA were the earlier participation of USA swimmers in high-level competitions, as well as the greater number of participants for all the strokes, events, genders, and competitions. Age peak performance in short distances was lower for Spanish swimmers, obtaining the opposite situation for long distances. Conclusions: Being a finalist in junior WCs did not influence success in the finals of the senior WCs and OGs. Main differences in general patterns of success between SPA and USA showed younger swimmers participating in short-distance events, backstroke, and butterfly for USA swimmers and older swimmers taking part in butterfly and short-distance events for SPA.

Introduction: In recent years, a surge of interest in high-intensity training methods, associated with “cross” modalities has emerged as a promising approach for improving performance and overall health. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to compare the acute effects on heart rate, mean propulsive velocity and intra and inter-set velocity loss in “Cross” modalities.Materials and methods: Twelve athletes, 10 men’s and 2 women’s (age: 31.5 ± 6.74 years; height: 174.17 ± 6.05 cm; weight: 75.34 ± 7.16 kg) with at least 1 year of experience in “cross” training. The participants performed three different “cross” modalities, Rounds for Time (RFT), Every Minute on the Minute (EMOM) and As Many Rounds As Possible (AMRAP) across three separate days. In each modality participants carried out 10 repetitions of squat, pull-ups, and shoulder press with difference rates of work-rest. Mean propulsive velocity (MPV) and heart rate (HR) were recorded and analysed for each athlete. Repeated measures one-way ANOVA and repeated measures two-way ANOVA were performed to analyse the differences between modalities and subjects. Besides, a Bonferroni post hoc analysis was carried out to assess the differences between modalities in each subject.Results: Significant differences in MPV were observed among the modalities. The comparisons between RFT and AMRAP, as well as EMOM and AMRAP, revealed lower MPV in the AMRAP modality (p < 0.01). RFT exhibited the greatest intra-set velocity loss, while EMOM showed the least, with significant distinctions (p < 0.01) between them. Furthermore, significant differences in the HR results were noted among all modalities (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Findings consistently identify the AMRAP modality as having the lowest MPV values due to its prolonged duration, promoting self-regulated tempo for optimal performance and technique, while the RFT modality exhibits higher fatigue and intra-set MPV losses. These insights into propulsive velocity, intensity, fatigue, and pacing across various “Cross” modalities provide valuable guidance for athletes and trainers seeking to enhance their exercise programs.

IntroductionTennis is a globally popular sport known for its numerous health benefits. However, it also underscores the physical demands and potential injuries associated with high-performance play. This review emphasizes the role of kinetic chains in executing powerful movements and discusses common injuries, particularly in the upper limbs due to the sport's overhead nature. It highlights the importance of effective rehabilitation methods for swift recovery and long-term performance enhancement in high-performance tennis players.AimsThe review aims to investigate the relationship between age, sex, and injury prevalence among high-performance tennis players to inform injury prevention strategies.MethodologyThis review protocol will provide a description on effective rehabilitation methods to tennis players, aiding coaches, physiotherapists and physicians. Methodologically, this systematic review will develop following the PRISMA guidelines, focusing on articles published between 2011 and 2024, with eligibility criteria specified. Data collection involved screening titles and abstracts, removing duplicates, and assessing full texts for eligibility. Data extraction will include information on authors, publication year, evidence level, participant demographics, injuries, treatments, etc. The GRADE framework will be used for evidence quality assessment, and NIH criteria were applied for study quality assessment.Trial registrationProspero registration number: CRD42023453182.