Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Semester of Degree Completion

1991

Thesis Director

Jeffrey A. McClung

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if the swimming economy of novice, adult, female swimmers can be increased by training on a Väsa Swim Trainer. Economy of swimming was defined as either: 1) decreased submaximal oxygen consumption (VO2); 2) decreased oxygen consumption per given distance (VO2/d); 3) decrease ratio of arm stroke cycles per given distance to swimming velocity (ASI); and 4) decrease submaximal heart rate (HR).

Eight females between the age of 35 to 60 years, mean age 50.4, who were considered to be novice swimmers (average 45.7 meter lap time greater than 60 seconds) and had been swimming at least twice a week for three weeks prior to the study, participated in this study. All subjects trained on the Väsa Swim Trainer three days a week in an attempt to increase upper body strength. In addition the subjects continued swimming weekly, for six weeks. Prior to the training period, subjects were pre-tested by swimming ten laps (457.2 meters) and performing a maximal effort on the swim trainer. Pre-test submaximal VO2, VO2/d, ASI, submaximal HR while swimming, and the väsa trainer one repetition maximum (1-RM) were calculated. After six weeks of training submaximal VO2, VO2/d, ASI, submaximal HR, and 1-RM tests were repeated to determine a training effect.

Dependent t-tests were used to determine the significance (p <.01) of the change in means for pre-test and post-test submaximal VO2, VO2/d, ASI, submaximal HR, and 1-RM. After six weeks of training there was a significant increase in 1-RM and a significant decrease in submaximal VO2, VO2/d, and ASI. A non-significant decrease in submaximal heart rate was observed. It was concluded that training on the Väsa Swim Trainer will improve the swimming economy of the novice, adult, female swimmer.

Download

Share

COinS