The effect of open water swimming training for competitive swimmers

Abstract

    In recent years, long distance pool swimmers participate in open water swimming in the world. They often do over 1500m continuous swimming training (open water swimming training), not only intermittent training. The effect of the open water swimming training on the results of competitive swimming and physiological adaptations have not been revealed. The present study examined the effect of open water swimming training for competitive swimmers on results of competitive swimming and physiological adaptations. 4 distance swimmers participated in this study. After the training in a month, a change rate of 1500m freestyle velocity was 100.86％. As for the vLT, subject A changed from 1.45m/s to 1.49m/s, subject B changed from 1.38m/s to 1.42m/s, and subject C changed from 1.35m/s to 1.36m/s. As for the OBLA, subject A wasn’t changed, subject B changed from 1.47m/s to 1.51m/s, subject C changed from 1.42m/s to 1.44m/s. Open water swimming training might be improved vLT, OBLA, and 1500m performance.