'Taper' - Fluctuations in Neuromuscular Function

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Maximal Mechanical Power during a Taper in Elite Swimmers.

APPLIED SCIENCES

Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 38(9):1643-1649, September

2006.

Trinity, D. 1; Pahnke, D. 1; Reese, Edwin C. 2; Coyle,

F. 1,3

Abstract:

Introduction: Insight regarding the fluctuations in neuromuscular

function among athletes during a taper is lacking.

Purpose: This study examined the time course of changes in maximal

mechanical power (Pmax), torque at power maximum (T), velocity at

power maximum (V), and swim performance (m[middle dot]s-1) that occur

during the taper.

Methods: Using an arm ergometer with inertial loading, measurements

were made during the week prior to the initiation of the taper (high

volume, HV), during the 2- to 3-wk period of the taper (taper), and

during the week of peak competition (peak) in 24 male competitive

collegiate swimmers. Subjects were divided into groups that tapered

to peak performance at either the conference (CONF, N = 13) or

national (NAT, N = 11) championship competitions.

Results: CONF increased Pmax 10.2% (P < 0.01) and swim performance

4.4% (P < 0.001). NAT increased Pmax by 11.6% (P < 0.01), T by 7.4%

(P < 0.02), and swim performance by 4.7% (P < 0.001). Pmax displayed

a biphasic increase with approximately 50, 5, and 45% of the total

increase occurring during the first, second, and third weeks of the

taper, respectively. The biphasic response was the most common

response among individual swimmers. Swimming performance was

significantly correlated to both power and torque (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: In summary, maximal arm power measured using inertial

load ergometry increased largely during the first and third weeks

after training volume was tapered for peak performance in elite

collegiate swimmers.

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Carruthers

Wakefield, UK