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The detection of cerebral aneurysms, particularly among professional divers and swimmers, is crucial due to the high physical demands and pressure changes experienced in these activities. Currently, identifying these "intracranial bombs" is challenging, often leading to subarachnoid hemorrhage with high mortality and disability rates. Clipping surgery and endovascular embolization are the primary treatments, but early detection is vital for effective intervention. This study introduces the Shark Smell Optimization and Deep Learning-Enabled Automated Intracranial Aneurysms (SSODLE-AIA) model, specifically tailored for the aquatic sports community. The SSODLE-AIA model innovatively partitions cerebral aneurysms into uniform blocks, employing an EfficientNet-based feature extractor for generating feature vectors. It uniquely integrates Shark Smell Optimization (SSO) for optimal hyperparameter tuning, enhancing the model's relevance to the diving and swimming domains where sensory acuity is paramount. Furthermore, a Bidirectional Gated Recurrent Unit (BiGRU) model classifies these blocks into two types: smooth and structured. This classification is crucial for divers and swimmers, whose cerebral structures may adapt to their aquatic environments. The identification process includes mean and patch matching for these regions, ensuring high precision in detecting subtle aneurysm-related changes. The SSODLE-AIA model's effectiveness is evaluated using a cerebral aneurysm dataset. Our experimental results show that this model outperforms existing techniques, offering a promising tool for early aneurysm detection in athletes exposed to unique aquatic pressures and environments. This advancement not only aids in timely medical intervention but also contributes to the safety and longevity of careers in professional diving and swimming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disordered eating is a psychological ailment that befalls many athletes and can persist into retirement. Links have been established between disordered eating and societal and sport-specific pressures; however, little research has focused on the perspective of retired athletes in a time-based sport. The purpose of the current research was to explore the conceptualization of disordered eating in relation to swimming participation, how retirement affects eating patterns, and ways to mitigate disordered eating. Following IPA methodological guidelines, a homogeneous sample of retired swimmers (N = 6) was chosen for semistructured, participant-driven interviews determined by scores on a disordered-eating questionnaire. Three superordinate themes were revealed: (1) pressures unique to swimming, (2) transition to eating pattern awareness, and (3) maintaining ideal eating patterns in retirement. The results revealed a combination of novel findings and expansion of previous data on disordered eating. Suggestions for applications of current findings and for future research are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the repeated effect of social media on smartphones immediately before training sessions on inhibitory control (Stroop task), endurance (tethered swimming), countermovement jump (CMJ), and swimming performance (50, 100, and 400-m freestyle) in high-level female swimmers. Methods: It is a randomized and experimental investigation with parallel groups. Twenty-two participants underwent the eight weeks of the experiment. The swimmers (eight to twelve sessions per week with 15.9 ± 1.6 hours/week, and training experience of ~ 5.6 years) were randomized in two groups: control (CON, n = 11) and smartphone (SMA, n = 11). Immediately before each training session, the CON group watched videos about Olympic Games for 30-min. The SMA group used social network smartphone apps during 30-min. The inhibitory control, endurance, CMJ, and swimming performance were measured before and after the eight weeks of intervention. Results: No group x time interaction for 50-m freestyle (F(4, 18) = 1.04; p =.33; η2 = 0.09) and CMJ performance (F(4, 18) = 0.31; p =.58; η2 = 0.03) was found. Both experimental groups improved CMJ (F(2, 20) = 8.71; p =.01; η2 = 0.46). Only the CON group improved the 100-m (p =.02), 400-m freestyle (p =.01), and endurance performance (p =.01). The CON group improved the inhibitory control response (p =.01). Conclusion: It is concluded that the repeated effect of social media on smartphones immediately before swimming training sessions might reduce or nullify training gains on swimming and endurance performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nutritional intake of elite open water swimmers during competition is not well established, and therefore this case study aims to provide new insights by describing the feeding strategies adopted by an elite female swimmer (28 yrs; height; 1.71 m; body mass: 60 kg; body fat: 16.0%) in the FINA open water Grand Prix 2014.Seven events of varying distances (15-88 km) and durations (3-12 hrs) were included. In all events, except one, feeds were provided from support boats. Swimmer and support staff were instructed to track in detail all foods and beverages consumed during the events. Nutritional information was gathered from the packaging and dietary supplements labels and analyzed by nutrition software. Mean carbohydrate (CHO) and protein intake reached 83 ± 5 g-h-1 and 12 ± 8 g·h-1, respectively. Fat intake was neglected (~1 g·h-1). Mean in-race energy intake reached 394 ± 26 kcal·h-1. Dietary supplements in the form of sport beverages and gels, containing multitransportable CHO, provided 40 ± 4 and 49 ± 6% of all CHO energy, respectively. Caffeine (3.6 ± 1.8 mg·kg-1 per event) and sodium (423 ± 16 mg±h-1) were additionally supplemented in all events. It was established that continuous intake of high doses of CHO and sodium and moderate dose of caffeine were an essential part of the feeding strategy for elite-level high intensity ultra-endurance open-water swimming races. A well scheduled and well-prepared nutrition strategy is believed to have ensured optimal individual performance during Grand Prix events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents abstracts related to sports and physical activity including the effects of conventional exercises on brain health, job stressors in everyday life, and resilience in fast swimmers.

Novice swimmers often relate stories of being thrown into the water or pool to either "sink or swim," while others saw or had nonfatal drowning experiences. These experiences contribute to an individual lacking confidence in their swimming skills and may limit their participation in swimming and water activities. Establishing a culture of trust is important toward developing a student's competence in the water. Trust is developed by the novice swimmer through the instructor, classmates, themselves, and water through orientation, a sale environment to learn, individualizing instruction, and giving specific, corrective, and positive feedback on performance. This article provides swimming instructors at various professional agencies (physical education, recreation, community, and university settings) with a unique approach by targeting acclimation activities/games, personal safety/rescue skills, and paired practice specifically for teenage (high school students) and young adult (college coeds) novice swimmers. This article guides an instructor in different ways instruction can be adapted to different contexts in teaching novice swimmers how to swim. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates a group of master swimmers to determine their perceptions of their physical and mental health status. USMS swimmers were surveyed to determine overall perceptions of their physical and mental health. The responses were compared with responses to the same questions included in the 2007-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Members responding to the USMS survey totaled 1,054, and 5,171 people in the NHANES dataset met inclusion criteria. The USMS sample reported fewer physically and mentally unhealthy days and fewer inactive days due to health. Over 95% of USMS respondents indicated excellent to good health compared with 75.4% of the NHANES sample. People engaged in physical activity, especially regular swimming, have higher odds of having better health status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brief high intensity exercise induces peripheral leukocytosis possibly leading to a higher incidence of allergic symptoms in athletes undergoing excessive training. We studied the exercise-induced alternation of circulating Tregs and FoxP3+ Tregs due to acute intense swim exercise in elite swimmers (n = 22, 12 males, age = 15.4 yrs). Twelve had prior or current rhinitis or asthma and 10 had no current or prior allergy or asthma. Circulating Tregs increased significantly (p < .001) following exercise (pre = 133 ± 11.2, post = 196 ± 17.6) as did FoxP3+ cells (pre = 44, post = 64 cells/μl). Increases in Tregs and FoxP3+ Tregs occurred to the same extent in both groups of adolescent swimmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Swimming is a popular sport and leisure activity worldwide, but its psychological effects may vary in different situations. The current in situ study compared swimmers' acute psychological responses in leisure swimming and athletic training. Fifty-four swimmers (27 in each group) were tested in their normal swimming environments. Measures obtained pre- and post-swimming included positive- and negative affect, the self-appraisal of the momentary physical- and mental well-being, and personal satisfaction with the completed swimming session. Leisure swimmers reported positive changes in all dependent measures (p ≤.001), but this was not the case for the competitive swimmers (p >.05). Further, leisure swimmers were more personally satisfied with the completed swimming session than competitive swimmers (p =.03). Consequently, the psychological benefits of swimming emerged in leisure swimming, but not after athletic training. Therefore, the subjective experience stemming from swimming may be largely determined by the context in which the activity is performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. Duringthe stage Tapering in order to determine the best of these methods and suitability for specialized distances for swimmers, and to guide researchers to study the different variables of methods of decline in size and determine the training, physiological, physical, and psychological effects of the use of methods for selected samples Roll of swimmers. This research aims to identify the effect of two-phase of Tapering method on some physiological variables Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK), lactic acid rate, heart rate), fatigue resistance, and stroke rate. in addition, explore the relationship between physiological variables, fatigue resistance, stroke rate, and the record level of 200m freestyle. Methods. The sample was chosen from the swimmers of 6 October City Sports Club for the stage of 17 years of males, (10) male swimmers. Results. Statistical analyses showed a positive correlation with statistically significant relationship between fatigue resistance and the record level of (200m freestyle), while there were no correlations with statistical significance between the other variables and the record level. Conclusions. Under the conditions of our study, the two-phase decrease in volume (Tapering) affected in all variables, while it did not affect swimmers' ability to resist fatigue during a 200-meter race distance, possibly due to the nature of the 200-meter high-speed race. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Competitive activity at middle altitude creates increased demand on the cardiovascular system of long-distance swimmers. The state of their cardiovascular system and its readiness for such activities at middle altitude can be evaluated according to haemodynamic parameters. At the same time, state-of-the-art strategies for cardiovascular disorder prevention in long-distance swimmers during training for competitive activity at middle altitude are mostly based on the assessment of systemic haemodynamics, with no reference to microcirculation. The process of adaptation and changes in the functional parameters of long-distance swimmers that characterize their physical performance and the function of external respiration mainly occurs by broadening the range of training tools and methods. The unrestricted broadening of these tools and methods can cause severe disturbances in the functioning of the cardiovascular system. At the same time, existing methods for assessing the state of the cardiovascular system in long-distance swimmers do not allow performing a qualitative evaluation of the peripheral circulation haemodynamic parameters. The studies conducted have shown that microcirculation parameters in long-distance swimmers at different training loads have similar dynamics at middle altitude and under the conditions of a hypoxic gas environment, which allows for higher quality assessment of the cardiovascular system state in athletes and for the more accurate evaluation of their bodily reaction to different training loads at middle altitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achieving high personal result in swimming requires a good multi-year training plan that is consistent with the optimum age for training initiation, physiological characteristics during the various stages of human growth and development and optimum age for reaching maximum results. Training methods are related to the sensitive periods for different physiological adaptations like increase in stroke volume of the heart, biochemical oxidation processes improvement, muscular hypertrophy, etc. The aims of the study were to find the age range of today's swimming elite in the men 100 m freestyle, the rate of increase in the results over the years before reaching their maximum and the age-related differences. The best results available for 2010-2018 of swimmers within top 100 in the men 100 m freestyle world rankings for 2000-2018 with results made within 2016-2018 were analysed. It was concluded that the optimum age range for best results in the men 100 m freestyle is 20-26 years. Some swimmers can enter the world swimming elite in this event at age 17 and some can achieve maximum results at 28 years of age or even later. The rate of performance improvement in the years before the peak is significantly higher for younger swimmers. The range of four-year improvement immediately prior to achieving the best personal result for all 36 cases analysed is from 0.79 to 12.94%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Aim of the present study was to determine the acute, chronic, and combined effects of swimming on the respiratory mechanics. • There were three major findings of the present study: • [1] The single-effort swimming produced negative acute effects on respiratory muscle strength and pulmonary functions. • [2] The 8-week swim training positive chronic effects on respiratory muscle strength and pulmonary functions. • [3] Swimming exerted positive combined effects on respiratory muscle strength and pulmonary functions. Abstract The combined effects of swimming on the inspiratory muscles and pulmonary functions are not well known. The aim of the present study was to determine the acute, chronic, and combined effects of swimming on the pulmonary functions and respiratory muscles of competitive swimmers. Thirty males (15 in the experimental group [EG] and 15 in the control group [CG]) participated in this study. The EG subjects participated in an 8-week swim training program and performed 1 day before and after an 8-week 100-m swimming event. Pulmonary functions and respiratory muscle strength were measured immediately before and after the swimming event in the EG and before and after an 8-week period in the CG. The obtained data were analyzed using repeated measures one-way analysis of variance, least significant difference, and independent- and paired-sample t -tests. Swimming exerted negative acute effects (p < 0.05) and positive chronic effects (p < 0.05) on respiratory muscle strength and pulmonary functions. Further, the negative acute effects decreased the combined effects of the chronic and acute effects of swimming on respiratory muscle strength and pulmonary functions (p < 0.05). The results indicated that swimming exerts negative acute, positive chronic, and combined effects on respiratory muscle strength and pulmonary functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trichobilharzia spp. have been identified as a causative agent of swimmers’ itch, a skin disease provoked by contact with these digenean trematodes in water. These parasites have developed a number of strategies to invade vertebrates. Since we have little understanding of the behavior of these parasites inside the human body, the monitoring of their invasion in snail host populations is highly recommended. In our research, lymnaeid snails were collected from several Polish lakes for two vegetation seasons. The prevalence of bird schistosomes in snail host populations was significantly lower than that of other digenean species. We were the first to detect the presence of the snails emitted Trichobilharzia regenti (potentially the most dangerous nasal schistosome) in Poland. In addition, by sequencing partial rDNA genes, we confirmed the presence of the snails positive with Trichobilharzia szidati in Polish water bodies, showing that swimmer’s itch is more frequent during summer months and that large snails are more often infected with bird schistosomes than small ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of the following paper was the attempt to: 1) assess the influence of 12-day anaerobic threshold (AT) training on finswimmers' endurance and speed, 2) assess the relationship between mood and 12- day AT training. The authors focused on individual differences in psychophysiological indices connected with a training camp, with inclusion of results of the whole group of athletes. Material and methods: The study was conducted on the national team: 7 athletes (17-28 years) and was performed before and after 12 days of a training camp. The Profile of Mood States (POMS) and AT training were used in the study. Two measurements of mood and lactate tests were performed before and after 12 days of the training camp. Results: Individual maximal speed (t(6) = -5.303; p=.002; d =- 2.00) and fatigue (measured by the POMS questionnaire) (t(6) = -3.163; p = .019; d =-1.20) increased due to participation in the training camp in the whole group of athletes. Individual analysis revealed discrepancies in mood alternations. Conclusions: Only 12 days' training camp based on AT training resulted in increased maximal speed in every finswimmer, which may by substantial information in planning a training program. Additionally, mood analysis is a useful indicator and its application supports the training process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

International organisations worldwide are becoming more interested in promoting health through sport. Event participation among African swimmers are increasing. However, athletes from these countries might have limited access to health prevention programmes, and medical personnel structure within their NFs and national teams. A descriptive transversal survey was conducted among the African National Swimming Federations ("African NFs") requesting information regarding the profile of the medical personnel of the African NFs, the importance that the African NFs place on the health of their athletes, the promotion of health in their society and the programme activities/research that they engage in to promote health. The results revealed that only 34.3% of the African NFs have doctors and 21.8% have physiotherapists. For 50% the top priority is the performance of their elite athletes and for just 6.2% of the African NFs the top priority is to improve the health of the general population. Health promotion is not a top priority for African NFs. There is a need to improve their general medical services and programmes and also to establish plans and strategies to protect the health of their athletes and to promote the health of the general population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continuous execution of swimming techniques, supported mainly by the upper limbs, may cause shoulder rotator muscle imbalances, which leads to injuries. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effects of two training programs on strength, balance and endurance of shoulder rotator cuff muscles in youth swimmers. Twenty-five male swimmers were evaluated and randomly divided into two groups – the land group (n = 13), which conducted a conventional dry-land training program with elastic bands, and the water group (n = 12), which conducted a water resistance program. In both groups, the level of strength of the shoulder rotators was evaluated with an isokinetic dynamometer on two occasions (baseline and after 10 weeks) using two protocols: i) three repetitions at 60o/s; ii) twenty repetitions at 180o/s. The land group significantly increased the unilateral ratios compared to the water group. The land group also decreased the external rotator levels of muscular fatigue. The dry-land training program conducted proved to be more effective than the one conducted in the water, allowing to reduce the muscle imbalance and to decrease muscle fatigue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim was to assess the effect of fatigue on linear and nonlinear parameters in swimming. Twenty-four fitness-oriented swimmers performed a maximal bout of 100 m at front-crawl to elicit fatigue. Before (pre-) and immediately after (post-test) the bout, participants swam an all-out 25 m to derive the speed fluctuation (dv), approximate entropy (ApEn) and fractal dimension (FD) from the speed-time series collected by a speedo-meter. Swim speed was 10.85% slower in the post-test than in the pre-test (p < .001, η2 = 0.72). There was an effect of the fatigue on the dv with a moderate effect size. The dv increased shifting the 95CI band from 0.116-0.134 to 0.140-0.161. The ApEn showed non-significant variations between the pre- and post-test having the 95CI of pre- and post-test overlapped (pre: 0.659-0.700; post: 0.641-0.682). The FD showed as well a significant variation (the 95CI moved from 1.954-1.965 to 1.933-1.951). It can be concluded that in swimming there are changes in classical and nonlinear parameters under fatigue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This study is aimed at analysing the scientific literature related to physiological responses in synchronized swimmers, produced from 2006 to 2016. A systematic review was conducted using electronic databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, SportDiscus, Web Science, Scielo and Scopus) in national and international journals. The articles were selected using the following inclusion criteria: composed samples of synchronized swimmers of both sexes, articles in English, Spanish and Portuguese, published from 2006 to 2016. Ten studies were included. The concentration of the articles and their publication was as follows: Europe (77%) and North America (23%). The protocols used analyse physiological responses in synchronized swimmers athletes during competitions or laboratory tests, lactate measurements, heart rate, rates of perceived exertion, VO2 and lung volume. The subjects of 100% of the studies included in this review were athletes of junior and senior categories who volunteered. Only 03 of the 10 studies have compared the physiological responses in volunteers who were not synchronized swimmers to synchronized swimmer athletes. The studies were conducted using different methodologies, which makes it difficult to compare them, so the standardization of instruments and definitions is essential for the scientific advancement in this field. In addition, it would be interesting to expand the research of these physiological responses in synchronized swimmers using base level or beginners as sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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To determine if cold-water swimmers have substantial differences in BMI, which might have a protective effect against heat loss during swims in cold water without wetsuits, and to determine if obesity is more or less prevalent in cold-water swimmers, we compared the body mass index (BMI) values of 103 recreational open-water swimmers (mean age 54.3 ±10.8 years) to data from various population groups. Swimmers swam consistently throughout the winter months, in the San Francisco Bay (water temperature range: 9.6° C [49.3 ° F] to 12.6° C [54.7 ° F]), without wetsuits. After matching for age and sex, the average BMI of cold-water swimmers (25.9 kg/m²) was lower than the corresponding predicted U.S. average BMI (29.2 kg/m²; p<.001), the predicted California state average BMI (28.0 kg/m²; p<.001), and the predicted San Francisco city average BMI (26.6 kg/m²; p=.047). The average BMI value for cold-water swimmers (25.9 kg/m²) was not significantly different from values of North American masters pool swimmers (25.1 kg/m²; p=.15) or international masters pool swimmers (25.3 kg/m²; p=.16). 10.7% of cold-water swimmers were classified as obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) vs. 35.7%, 25.8%, and 11.8% of the U.S., California, and San Francisco populations, respectively. The lower or similar BMI values of our swimmers suggest that successful recreational swimming in cold water is influenced by factors other than body habitus, such as acclimatization, heat production while swimming, and most importantly, limiting immersion time. The relatively low prevalence of obesity in our swimmers suggests that cold-water swimming could contribute to a healthy lifestyle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate somatic properties and force production of leg extensor muscles measured in the countermovement jump test (CMJ), as well as to analyse kinematic variables of sprint surface butterfly swimming. Thirty-four male competitive swimmers were recruited with an average age of 19.3 ± 1.83 years. Their average body height (BH) was 183.7 ± 5.93 cm, body fat content 10.8 ± 2.64% and body mass (BM) 78.3 ± 5.0 kg. Length measurements of particular body segments were taken and a counter movement jump (CMJ) as well as an all-out 50 m butterfly speed test were completed. The underwater movements of the swimmers' bodies were recorded with a digital camera providing side-shots. We registered a significant relationship between body mass (r = 0.46), lean body mass (r = 0.48) and sprint surface butterfly swimming (VSBF). The anaerobic power measured in the CMJ test, total body length (TBL) as well as upper and lower extremity length indices did not influence swimming speed significantly. The temporal entry-kick index (the time ratio between the first kick and arm entry) significantly influenced VSBF (r = -0.45). Similarly, medium power of the coefficient was indicated between a) stroke rate kinematics (SR), b) duration of the first leg kick (LP1), c) air phase duration of arm recovery (Fly-arm), and VSBF (r = 0.40; r = 0.40 and r = 0.41, respectively). The entry-kick temporal index showed that, in the butterfly cycle, an appropriately early executed initial kick when compared to arm entry was associated with a longer arm propulsion phase, which in turn was associated with minimizing resistive gliding phases and enabled relatively longer and less resistive air arm recovery (higher value of the fly-arm index). The higher value of SR kinematic was another important element of the best butterfly results in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary goal was to determine whether the achievement of finalist positions in the Junior Championship was associated with the achievement of success in the International Swimming Federation (FINA) World Championship (WC). Secondary goals included analyzing the effect of various factors (gender, age, country, etc) on swimmers’ performances. Data were obtained from FINA information about the finalists from 2007 to 2015 WCs and finalists from 2006 to 2013 Junior-WCs (2400 entries). Final filtered database just included swimmers who participated in both junior and senior WCs (719 entries). A univariate general linear model (GLM) was used to examine the association between time; origin (swimmer who participated in Junior WC or not); maintenance years (number of years achieving finalist positions); country; and age, adjusting for year of competition. An ordinal logistic regression (OLR) model was used to identify predictors of achieving the top positions. The origin variable was not significant in either the GLM or the OLR. The only significant variables in the GLM were maintenance years (F4,706 = 7.689; p < .05) and year of competition (F4,706 = 23.239; p < .05). The OLR revealed a strong association (p < .001) between the position variable and maintenance years, getting better positions as you get more WCs (odds = 1.85). In conclusion, no evidence was obtained to conclude finalist position in Junior WC have influence in achieve success in FINA WC. Maintenance years in WCs have a positive impact to achieve better positions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fecal indicator bacteria used to assess illness risks in recreational waters (e.g., Escherichia coli, Enterococci) cannot discriminate among pollution sources. To address this limitation, human-associated Bacteroides markers have been proposed, but the risk of illness associated with the presence of these markers in recreational waters is unclear. Our objective was to estimate associations between human-associated Bacteroides markers in water and self-reported illness among swimmers at 6 U.S. beaches spanning 2003-2007.Methods: We used data from a prospectively-enrolled cohort of 12,060 swimmers surveyed about beach activities and water exposure on the day of their beach visit. Ten to twelve days later, participants reported gastroinestinal, diarrheal, and respiratory illnesses experienced since the visit. Daily water samples were analyzed for the presence of human-associated Bacteroides genetic markers: HF183, BsteriF1, BuniF2, HumM2. We used model-based standardization to estimate risk differences (RD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). We assessed whether the presence of Bacteroides markers were modifiers of the association between general Enterococcus and illness among swimmers using interaction contrast.Results: Overall we observed inconsistent associations between the presence of Bacteroides markers and illness. There was a pattern of increased risks of gastrointestinal (RD = 1.9%; 95% CI: 0.1%, 3.7%), diarrheal (RD = 1.3%; 95% CI: -0.2%, 2.7%), and respiratory illnesses (RD = 1.1%; 95% CI: -0.2%, 2.5%) associated with BsteriF1. There was no evidence that Bacteroides markers acted as modifiers of Enterococcus and illness. Patterns were similar when stratified by water matrix.Conclusions: Quantitative measures of fecal pollution using Bacteroides, rather than presence-absence indicators, may be necessary to accurately assess human risk specific to the presence of human fecal pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Strenuous physical activity at an elite level is associated with an increased risk for asthma and, in some sports, also prevalence of allergies. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of asthma and allergy among elite swimmers and tennis players and compare airway hyperreactivity to mannitol and exercise. Materials and methods: One hundred and one adolescent swimmers and 86 tennis players answered a questionnaire about respiratory symptoms and allergy and performed mannitol challenge and sport-specific exercise challenge. Atopy was assessed and fractional exhaled nitric oxide was measured. Mannitol positivity was defined as drop in FEV1 ≥15% (ordinary criteria) and/or β2-reversibility (≥15%) after provocation (extended criteria). A positive exercise test was defined as a drop in FEV1 ≥10% (ordinary criteria) and/or β2-reversibility (≥15%) after provocation (extended criteria). Club cell protein (CC16) was measured in urine before and after the challenges. Results: Asthma symptoms were common in both groups. More swimmers had exercise-induced symptoms (77% versus 50%) and current asthma symptoms (56% versus 38%), compared to the tennis players. More swimmers also had a positive mannitol challenge test both using ordinary (26% versus 6%) and extended criteria (43% versus 17%), while the number of positive exercise tests did not differ. After exercise (but not mannitol) challenge, CC16 level was increased in both groups, but to a higher extent in tennis players. There were no differences in atopy, rhinitis or fractional exhaled nitric oxide. Conclusion: We found a high prevalence of asthma among elite swimmers and tennis players and a higher frequency of current asthma and positive mannitol challenge tests among the swimmers. This indicates an unfavorable exercise environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Case: We present a case of isolated Salmonella species group B sacroiliitis in a healthy 19-year-old collegiate-level swimmer with no known risk factors. To our knowledge, there are no similar cases described in the current literature. Conclusion: Pyogenic sacroiliitis (PS) is a rare form of septic arthritis, especially in adults. PS is most commonly seen in the setting of intravenous drug use or in an immunocompromised patient. If a patient does not fit either of these demographics, PS initially can be a difficult diagnosis because of its rarity and vague symptomatology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The blood tests represent the most precise currently used method, though not without certain traps. In this paper, we show some methods for blood testing, as well as other methods for estimating the training speeds, which require special equipment. The blood tests that determine the anaerobic threshold have something in common, since they measure the lactic acid concentration after each set of repetitions, when the intensity of the exercise is progressively increased. Our paper tries to answer the following questions: Do the methods of blood testing as well as other methods of estimating the exercise speeds represent a way of training the swimmers? Are the blood tests the optimal method used in the competitive swimming? Conclusions: We focused on the training of competitive swimmers because we consider there are a lot of people interested in getting the fundamental information about this age group, although most of coaches work with children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Swimming has become a very popular form of physical activity mainly due to its wholesome influence on the human body. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of swimming training on the functional mobility and flexibility of young female swimmers. It is believed that swimming has a beneficial impact on the basic flexibility and functional mobility parameters. Material and Methods. Nine young female swimmers, members of the swimming team from 5th Secondary Sport School in Bydgoszcz took part in the study. The girls' functional mobility and flexibility in were determined twice the sagittal plane with the use of the FMS test and "Eurofit" test, respectively. The bend of the torso in the frontal plane was also assessed. The differences in results were measured with Student's t-test, and the value of changes was determined using the Mollison index. Results. A slight increase in the final FMS test result was noted in the second examination, compared with the first one: from 16.88 ± 1.76 to 17.22 ± 2.28. In 25-35% of cases the risk of overloading muscles as well as the positive impact of training on flexibility levels in the sagittal and frontal planes (during a bend to the left) was detected: from 26.44 ± 9.73 to 29.66 ± 7.92, and from 23.33 ± 2.45 to 25.11 ± 3.18, respectively. The Mollison index revealed the most positive results in the rotational stability of the torso (1.65) and the range of the lateral bend to the left (0.73), while negative values were only found in the in-line lunge and chest mobility range (-0.42). Conclusions. The results of the study confirm that swimming training has a positive impact on the body of young swimmers (increased mobility and flexibility). It is of vital importance to undertake further research on the effects of swimming on the mobility of the human body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ninety-six cold-water swimmers (age: range 23 to 79 yrs; median 57 yrs) swam consistently in the San Francisco Bay without wetsuits as part of a 3-month winter swim event (water temperature range: 9.6° C [49.3° F] - 12.6° C [54.7° F]). From post-event survey questions about upper respiratory infections (URIs), the winter URI incidence in cold-water swimmers (0.53 URI/person-per-winter; 95% CI: 0.40 - 0.70) was similar to a general U.S. population winter incidence (0.54 URI/person-perwinter) and a winter incidence from a prior study of runners (0.51 URI/person-per- winter). We found significant associations between numbers of URIs in cold-water swimmers and age (URIs reduced by 0.26 per 10 yr age increase; Coef = -0.026; P=0.007) and swim distance per day (URIs increased by 0.7 per mile/day swum; Coef = 0.701; P=0.016). Our results do not support an overall reduction in URIs as a specific health benefit related to recreational swimming in cold water. Older age and moderate exercise may contribute to a general decrease in URIs in cold-water swimmers, while aggressive swimming may increase the likelihood of infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents several case studies of swimmers including 18-year-old male, 15-year-old female, 14-year-old female who were diagnosed with breathing problems, wheezing and chest tightness; and highlights a reproducible approach to test spirometry among swimmers in susceptible environment.

Introduction. Swimming performance depends on the swimmer's capacity to generate mechanical power and resist fatigue. As short intense exercise (up to 1 min in duration) depends heavily on anaerobic energy release, glycolytic contribution seems fundamental for performing the 50 m and 100 m swimming events. Swimming velocity is also highly dependent on swimmers' technique, which could be assessed with stroke frequency (SR) and stroke length (SL). Aim of Study. The study aimed to analyse changes of metabolic and technical parameters in swimmers performing a maximal 100-m all-out front crawl. Material and Methods. Seven well-trained male swimmers (51.79 + 1.1 s at 100 m freestyle), performed an 100-m all-out front crawl, with intermediate velocity, SR, and SL assessed at each 25 m of the covered test distance. To estimate changes in blood lactate concentrations ([La-]), the blood lactate increasing speed (BLIS) methodology was used, with swimmers performing 25, 50 and 75 m front crawl bouts (controlled with a visual pacer) at the previously assessed velocities in each split of the 100 m test. [LaLa-] were assessed before and immediately after each trial (until reaching the peak [La-]), with BLIS determined with the time rate of net [La-] per split. SR and SL were assessed using a video camera and a chronometer. Means and SD, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient and ANOVA for repeated measures were used (p < 0.05) for statistical analysis. Results. The average velocity of the 100 m test was 1.89 ± 0.15 m·s-1, decreasing during the first three laps (and increasing in the last 25 m), concurrently with an increase in SR and a decrease in SL. [La-] increased throughout the test (to 15.01 ± 1.42 mmol·l-1), and BLIS diminished during the first three laps, while increasing during the last one. Conclusions. Glycolytic power determines the first 25 m lap of a maximal 100 m front crawl effort, causing fatigue effects measured with simple biomechanical parameters. A volitive effect of metabolic pathways can be observed in the last 25 m. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this studywas to compare the redox balance in competitive adult swimmers against recreational practitioners, controlling for Mg intake. Fifteen, competitive swimmers and 16 recreational practitioners, all male and aged 18-25years, were recruited into the study. Oxidative and muscle damage markers, and antioxidant enzymes and non-enzymatic antioxidants were evaluated by photometry (except for thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARS), which was assessed by fluorimetry). Controlling for the level of exercise, inverse correlations were observed for uric acid and glutathione reductase (GR) or susceptibility of red blood cells to peroxidation (RBCPx); plasma adrenaline oxidase activity (AdOx) and carotenoids; TBARS and GR or Vit E; and direct correlations were observed between AdOx and creatine kinase (CK) or TBARS; CK and superoxide dismutase activity; GR and RBCPx. Controlling for Mg intake in addition to exercise level revealed new inverse correlations: between carotenoids and TBARS or lactate, and new direct correlations between lactate and AdOx or TBARS; cortisol and AdOx, CK, lactate dehydrogenase, or methemoglobin reductase. The associations between uric acid and RBCPx; AdOx and CK or TBARS; and GR and RBCPx lost their significance. All others remained significant. These outcomes suggest that the coordination between antioxidant defences may be partially modulated by Mg, which may be the result of its ability to stabilize cell membranes and oxidation targets, such as adrenaline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Swimmer's itch is a zoonotic disease caused by certain digenean trematodes, in Europe most noticeably by bird schistosomes of the genus Trichobilharzia. These parasites require waterfowl and aquatic snails as final and intermediate hosts, respectively, to complete their life cycle. Swimmer's itch occurs when the free-swimming larvae emitted from snails, the cercariae, accidentally infect humans. Here the parasites cannot complete their life cycle but can cause allergic inflammatory responses of the skin. In the context of the joint BMBF project 'Sichere Ruhr' (Safe Ruhr), which evaluates the Ruhr River as a potential bathing water, the occurrence of the causative agents of swimmer's itch in Lake Baldeney was studied. A total of 1741 snails was examined for the presence of trematode infections, including bird schistosomes. Snails infected with Trichobilharzia spp. were found at three sampling locations but showed low overall prevalences (0.6-3.0%). Based on parasite and host biology, risk factors were evaluated and discussed in the context of the potential use of Lake Baldeney as a bathing water. Although bird schistosomes only constitute a fraction of the trematode diversity occurring in natural snail populations and show low prevalence, they still pose an infection risk due to the high emission rates of cercariae from individual snail hosts. A wide variety of often interacting biotic and abiotic factors, as well as personal behaviour have an effect on the likelihood and severity of a human infection. Based on these risk factors, a number of possible preventive actions aiming at the disruption of the life cycle, or personal protective measures can be suggested. While absolute protection is impossible (unless swimming in natural waters is altogether avoided) some preventive measures can reduce the risk of human infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim was to elucidate elite swimming's possible influence on lumbar disc degeneration (DD) and low back pain (LBP).Methods: Lumbar spine MRI was performed on a group of elite swimmers and compared to a matched Finnish population-based no-sport group.Results: One hundred elite swimmers and 96 no-sport adults, mean age 18.7/20.8, respectively, participated. Overall, the two groups had similar prevalence of DD. Swimmers had more DD in the upper lumbar spine but tended to have less DD at the lowest level. Prevalence of bulges and disc herniations were similar, but swimmers had significantly more bulges at L4-5. The swimmers reported less LBP, although not significantly (N.S.). If degenerative findings were present, the association between them and LBP was stronger in the no-sport group.Conclusion: Elite swimmers and controls had similar prevalence of DD and LBP, although the pattern of DD differed between the groups. In case of DD, swimmers reported less LBP, although N.S. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Swimming is one of the most popular sports worldwide. Competitive swimming is one of the most watched sports during the Olympic Games. Swimming has unique medical challenges as a result of a variety of environmental and chemical exposures. Musculoskeletal overuse injuries, overtraining, respiratory problems, and dermatologic conditions are among the most common problems swimmers encounter. Although not unique to swimming, overtraining is a serious condition which can have significant negative impact on swimmers' health and performance. This review article is an attempt to discuss various issues that a medical team should consider when caring for swimmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the relationship between competitive anxiety (in its cognitive and somatic components) and managerial behaviors, pressure, support, understanding, and the active involvement of parents in their children's sports activities. Thirty-seven competitive young swimmers with a mean age of 12.22 years were studied based on records of their athletic performance in two official competitions during the 2012-2013 season. To analyze the psychological variables, the athletes were administered the Spanish-adapted version of the Sport Anxiety Scale (SAS-2) and the Parental Involvement in Sport Questionnaire (PISQ), with the effect size analyzed in terms of gender and the performance of the swimmers. The results show the influence of competitive anxiety on performance, mostly centered in the worry, and gender differences, but no significant relation to parental influence was found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. The incidence of swimmer's shoulder has been reported to be as low as 3% and as high as 67%. When specifically defined as "significant shoulder pain that interferes with training or progress in training," an incidence of 35% has been reported in elite and senior level swimmers. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of TRX Suspension training as a prevention program to avoid the shoulder pain for youth swimmers. Methods. The sample comprised random from Ajman club. (10) Swimmers, The subjects participated TRX suspension training program Three- times weekly. To eight weeks. The subjects did not suffer from any shoulder injury before. The homogeneity in height, weight and chronological age. Results. Statistical analyses showed that the improvement significantly higher between the pre and post measurements for the experimental group in all physical variables. Conclusions. Finally, Swimmers shoulder is a condition that may be prevented with TRX suspension training and adequate preseason screening that can identify impairments and training errors that may lead to symptoms. If a swimmer does become symptomatic during the season, the physical therapist should identify the most likely impairments or training errors and rule out any significant tissue pathology that would warrant a referral to an orthopedic surgeon. These results have to be taken into account by trainers in order to better understand and applicate it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Injury and illness surveillance in the aquatic disciplines has been conducted during the FINA World Championships and Olympic Games. The development of an aquatic-specific injury and illness surveillance system will improve the quality of the data collected and the development of preventive measures. Our ultimate objective is to enhance aquatic athlete health and performance.Objective: The objective was to refine the injury and illness surveillance protocols to develop aquatic-specific definitions of injury and illness; define aquatic-specific injury location and causation; better describe overuse injuries; regard pre-existing and recurrent injuries; more accurately define aquatic athlete exposures and develop a protocol to capture out-of-competition aquatic athlete health parameters.Methods: FINA compiled an Injury and Illness Surveillance Expert Working Group comprised of international experts to review the scientific literature in the field. A consensus meeting was convened to provide an opportunity for debate, following which recommendations were collated.Results: Aquatic-specific injury and illness surveillance protocols covering both the in-competition and out-of-competition time periods were developed. Definitions for all relevant variables were outlined, and documentation forms for athletes and for clinicians were proposed. Recommendations for the implementation of an injury and illness surveillance system for FINA are presented.Conclusion: The FINA consensus authors recommend ongoing in-competition and out-of-competition surveillance to determine injury and illness trends over time. The implementation of the definitions and methodology outlined in this paper will improve the accuracy and value of injury and illness surveillance, and provide important information for injury prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine the difference in muscle activation pattern and co-contraction of the rectus and biceps femoris in flutter-kick swimming between competitive and recreational swimmers, to better understand the mechanism of repetitive kicking movements during swimming. Ten competitive and 10 recreational swimmers swam using flutter kicks at three different velocities (100%, 90%, and 80% of their maximal velocity) in a swimming flume. Surface electromyographic signals (EMG) were obtained from the rectus (RF) and biceps femoris (BF), and lower limb kinematic data were obtained at the same time. The beginning and ending of one kick cycle was defined as when the right lateral malleolus reached its highest position in the vertical axis. The offset timing of muscle activation of RF in the recreational swimmers was significantly later at all velocities than in the competitive swimmers (47-48% and 26-33% of kick time of one cycle for recreational and competitive swimmers, respectively), although the kinematic data and other activation timing of RF and BF did not differ between groups. A higher integrated EMG of RF during hip extension and knee extension induced a higher level of muscle co-contraction between RF and BF in the recreational swimmers. These results suggest that long-term competitive swimming training can induce an effective muscle activation pattern in the upper legs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine if cold water swimmers (CWS) developed hypothermia over a 6-h cold water endurance swim and whether body composition, stroke rate (SR) or personal characteristics correlated with core temperature (TC) change. Nine experienced male and female CWS who were aspiring English Channel (EC) swimmers volunteered to participate. Subjects aimed to complete their 6-h EC qualifying swim (water 15-15.8 °C/air 15-25 °C) while researchers intermittently monitored TC and SR. Data obtained included anthropometry (height, mass, segmental body composition), training volume and EC completion. Results: Of the nine swimmers who volunteered, all successfully completed their EC qualifying swim. Six CWS had complete data included in analysis. One CWS demonstrated hypothermia (34.8 °C) at 6-h. TC rate of decline was slower in the first 3 h (-0.06 °C/hr) compared to the last 3 h (-0.36 °C/hr) of the swim. Older age was significantly correlated to TC change (r = -0.901, p < 0.05) and SR change (r = -0.915, p < 0.05). Absolute and percentage body fat (BF) were not significantly associated with higher TC. Mean SR over the 6-h swim was 57.8 spm (range 48-73 spm), and a significant (p < 0.05) decline in SR was observed over the 6 h (-9.7 %). A strong, positive correlation was found between SR change between 3 and 6 h and TC over the 6 h (r = 0.840, p < 0.05) and TC from 3-6 h (r = 0.827, p < 0.05). Seven of the nine participants (77.8 %) in this study successfully completed the EC crossing. Successful EC swimmers swam in the pool and open water (OW); however, they swam significantly [t (7) = -2.433, p < 0.05] more kilometres (M = 19.09 km/wk ± 5.55) in OW than unsuccessful (M = 9 km/wk ± 1.41) EC swimmers. There was a significant relationship between EC crossing time and height (r = -0.817, p < 0.05), but no other variables and EC crossing time. Conclusions: Cold water endurance swim (CWES) of 6-h duration at 15-16 °C resulted in TC reduction in the majority of swimmers regardless of anthropometry. More research is required to determine why some CWS are able to maintain their TC throughout a CWES. Our results indicate that older swimmers are at greater risk of developing hypothermia, and that SR decline is an indicator of TC decline. Our results also suggest that OW swimming training combined with pool training is important for EC swim success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of time of day on stroke parameters and motor organization in front-crawl swimmers. In a randomized order, fourteen regional swimmers (age: 18.7 ± 1.6 years) performed maximal front crawls over 12.5 m during two experimental sessions; the morning sessions were conducted between 07:00 and 09:00 h and the evening experiments were conducted between 17:00 and 19:00 h. Stroke parameters (swim velocity, stroke rate [SR], and stroke length), motor organization (arm stroke phases and arm coordination) were calculated from aerial and underwater side-view cameras. Arm coordination was quantified in terms of an index of coordination (Idc). Results showed that oral temperature was significantly higher in the evening 36.8 ± 0.2 °C than in the morning 36.1 ± 0.2 °C (p < 0.001), with a morning–evening difference of −0.7 ± 0.1 °C. Performance was also higher in the evening (7.4 ± 0.6 s) than in the morning (8.0 ± 0.8 s) (p < 0.001), with a morning–evening difference of 0.55 ± 0.30 s. Likewise, values of swim velocity and SR were higher in the evening than in the morning (p < 0.001) with morning–evening differences of −0.10 ± 0.04 m s−1and −3.99 ± 2.91 cycles min−1, respectively. Percentage Idc increased significantly (p < 0.01) between the morning (−5.1 ± 6.5%) and evening (−1.6 ± 7.0%). It is concluded that maximal swimming trials are performed better in the evening than the morning, and that this might be explained by better stroke parameters and motor organization at this time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the breathing action in front crawl (FC) sprint swimming affects the ipsilateral upper limb kinematics relative to a non-breathing stroke cycle (SC). Ten male competitive swimmers performed two 25 m FC sprints: one breathing to their preferred side (Br) and one not breathing (NBr). Both swim trials were performed through a 6.75 m 3 calibrated space and recorded by six gen-locked JVC KY32 CCD cameras. A paired t -test was used to assess statistical differences between the trials, with a confidence level of p <0.05 accepted as significant. Swimmers were slower (3%) when breathing. Within the entry phase, swimmers had a slower COM horizontal velocity (3.3%), less shoulder flexion (8%), abduction (33%) and roll (4%) when breathing. The pull phase was longer in duration (14%) swimmers had a shallower hand path (11%), less shoulder abduction (11%), a slower hand vertical acceleration (30%) and slower centre of mass (COM) horizontal velocity (3%) when breathing. In the push phase, swimmers had a smaller elbow range of motion (ROM) (38%), faster backwards hand speed (25%) and faster hand vertical acceleration (33%) when breathing. Swimmers rolled their shoulders more (12%) in the recovery phase when breathing. This study confirms that swim performance is compromised by the inclusion of taking a breath in sprint FC swimming. It was proposed that swimmers aim to orient their ipsilateral shoulder into a stronger position by stretching and rolling the shoulders more in the entry phase whilst preparing to take a breath. Swimmers should focus on lengthening the push phase by extending the elbow more and not accelerating the hand too quickly upwards when preparing to inhale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial measures of water quality are predictors of gastrointestinal illness among swimmers in some settings but not in others. Little is known whether water quality measures predict illness among people who engage in popular water recreation activities such as paddling, rowing, fishing, or boating (“incidental contact water recreation”). We sought to evaluate indicator microbes, protozoan pathogens, and turbidity as predictors of gastrointestinal illness following incidental contact water recreation. A cohort study of incidental contact water recreation was conducted in the Chicago, USA area. Recreation took place on inland lakes, rivers, Lake Michigan, and an urban waterway heavily impacted by wastewater effluent. Water samples were analyzed for Escherichia coli , enterococci, somatic coliphages, F+ coliphages, Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. (oo)cysts, and for turbidity. Median enterococci concentrations were 71.0 and 199.8 colony forming units/100 mL at general use and effluent-dominated waters, respectively. Among 4694 study participants with complete covariate data, 193 (4.1%) developed gastrointestinal illness within three days of water recreation. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, water quality metrics did not predict gastrointestinal illness among water recreators. Several variables other than water quality were associated acute gastrointestinal illness. The odds of such illness was increased by approximately two-fold by the presence of a chronic gastrointestinal condition, water exposure to the face, and by approximately 50% among those who fished (as opposed to other incidental contact activities). The odds of illness were reduced by approximately 50% among individuals who frequently used a water body for recreation. Unlike studies of swimmers at wastewater-impacted beaches that observed associations between water quality and illness incidence, this study did not. Public health protections for incidental contact recreation might focus on reducing exposure, particularly among fishers, those with chronic gastrointestinal conditions, and new recreators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: accurate estimates of the intake of specific nutrients such as calcium (Ca) are crucial to correctly rank or classify subjects in the distribution of intakes. Therefore, we aimed to estimate the relative validity of a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) for measuring Ca intake in two different groups of healthy adolescents, a normoactive control group and a physically active group of swimmers with 2 non-consecutive 24h recalls (2 x 24HR) collected as the reference method.Methods: Pearson correlations, agreement between the 24HR and the FFQ at an individual level and questionnaire's ability to assign individuals to the same quartile of intake as the 24HR were calculated.Results: mean daily Ca intakes were 564.6 mg (SD 232.0) and 895.9 mg (SD 343.1) for the 2 x 24HR and FFQ respectively in controls (P < 0.001); and 731.9 mg (SD 299.8) and 979.8 mg (SD 408.5) for the 2 x 24HR and FFQ respectively in swimmers (P < 0.001). Pearson correlations were 0.52 for controls and 0.47 for swimmers after correcting for intra-variability. Cross-classification analysis indicated that 73.7% of controls and 63.1% of swimmers were classified correctly or in the adjacent category. Also, the 89% of the control group and 79% of swimmers were classified correctly with the FFQ according to the dietary reference intake (DRI) of 1300 mg/d.Conclusions: for both groups, the FFQ tended to overestimate Ca intake, however it demonstrated fairly good ability to classify subjects into extremes of Ca intake and identified adolescents having Ca intakes lower than the dietary reference intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to research the effects of downhill running and short-time Mellissa Officinalis supplementation on the blood elements in male athletes. For this purpose reason, 20 healthy male swimmers were chosen randomly and were divided into two groups of 10 members. The amount of hemoglobin, hematocrit and leukocytes was measured in the basic level, before and after supplementation. After data collection, the variance analysis test was done for evaluation of time series and also Bonferroni test and the independent t-test were used significantly for evaluation of the differences among groups. Also, the significant level of p<0.05 was used. Evaluation of research findings has shown that after supplementation the blood elements increased less in the group of Mellissa Officinalis L than the other group as a result of downhill running. In general, we conclude that this herbal supplement can decrease the hemoglobin, hematocrit and leukocytes caused by downhill running. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigating the performance of an athlete and monitoring them is important to athletes and coaches because it can provide information about the training progress and injury recovery. Coaches are not always on side when athletes doing their training, so a device which is small and easy to use will increase the monitored training sessions significantly and allow the athlete to compare multiple training sessions. This technology has seen rapid development over the last years and is now available in very small sizes which have little effect on the swimmer. Using this kind of sensor, kinematics can be measured and extracted for stroke characteristics investigations. This research used an sacrum mounted self-developed inertial sensor, providing a triaxial accelerometer, gyroscope and RF capability in a waterproof casing to investigate the arm symmetry and swimming velocity in freestyle swimming. The recorded data were filtered using a high-pass Hamming windowed FIR filter to remove the gravity components from the wanted signal. The acceleration signal was then processed to find the velocity of the swimmer. A zero-crossing detection algorithm was used to investigate the arm symmetry and to find the individual stroke rates (SR), the differences between left and right arm stroke durations and the left and right arm stroke velocities (asymmetry). The investigation of the left and right arm velocity patterns of each individual swimmer allowed the investigation of each swimmers asymmetry in propulsion and velocity for the individual arms. The results of the mean lap velocities showed that the two different methods agree with an R 2 of 0.92. Furthermore a conducted Bland-Altman analysis showed a low bias of -0.04 with an upper limit of agreement of 0.03 and a lower limit of agreement of -0.11. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is some evidence that long-term high-intensity endurance training might be associated with deterioration in cardiac function and might impose a potential risk for cardiovascular events. Thus, the intention was to retrospectively evaluate the cardiac status in former endurance athletes, particularly right ventricular (RV) dimension and function, to reveal potential cardiac damage. A group of 12 former world-class swimmers (45 ± 1.5 years) was examined 24.9 ± 4.3 years after cessation of high-intensity endurance training. They underwent history taking, physical examination, ECG, exercise testing and echocardiography. Furthermore, functional and echocardiography data that were also available from former evaluations were included in the analysis. There was a significant decline in exercise capacity. LV function was normal with a decrease in septal thickness to 9.1 ± 1.3 ( p < 0.05) and LV diastolic diameter to 48.9 ± 5.6 ( p < 0.05). Still, there was a remaining septal hypertrophy. RV function was 55.3 ± 4.2 % and there were normal RV dimensions adjusted for body surface area. 25 years after the cessation of endurance training there was a normal RV and LV function with a normalization of almost all diameters, still there was a mild LV hypertrophy in some athletes. Consequently, no relevant long-term cardiac remodeling after intensive endurance training was depicted in this group of athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study presents a method to evaluate the efficacy of the start techniques' biomechanics in swimming using a kinematic reference data-set. Methods: The biomechanics of the start techniques was derived by the performances of ten regional swimmers using a marker-based stereoscopic approach. Three start techniques were analyzed: grab start, rear track start, and front track start. The kinematic reference data-set was compiled from data available from the literature in biomechanics of the high-level swimmers. The evaluating method was based on three parameters: (1) The horizontal component of the dive speed; (2) The angle between the line joining the center of mass of the swimmer with the intersection point of the pool-water plane and the pool edge plane; (3) The distance between the block and the center of mass of the swimmer. Results: Differences ( p < 0.05) in the block position during the start were found between the national swimmers and the references in grab start, front track start, and in rear track start. Before the dive, national swimmers jump up from the block in opposition to the high-level swimmers that drop from the block such as the literature revealed. Conclusions: This study allows: (1) To formulate a model of comparative analysis of data from the literature; (2) To obtain a three-dimensional model of the swimmers using a handy low-cost stereoscopic system; (3) To compare different multi-dimensional biomechanical models designed to describe the diving task. This approach would provide an innovative tool to evaluate the efficacy of the start technique and to assist coaches and trainers to improve their training programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]