Pacing in Swimming: A Systematic Review
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SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Pacing in Swimming: A Systematic Review Katie E. McGibbon1,2
•
D. B. Pyne1,3 • M. E. Shephard2 • K. G. Thompson4
Ó Springer International Publishing AG, part of Springer Nature 2018
Abstract Background Pacing strategy, or how energy is distributed during exercise, can substantially impact athletic performance and is considered crucial for optimal performance in many sports. This is particularly true in swimming given the highly resistive properties of water and low mechanical efficiency of the swimming action. Objectives The aim of this systematic review was to determine the pacing strategies utilised by competitive swimmers in competition and their reproducibility, and to examine the impact of different pacing strategies on kinematic, metabolic and performance variables. This will provide valuable and practical information to coaches and sports science practitioners. Data Sources The databases Web of Science, Scopus, SPORTDiscus and PubMed were searched for published articles up to 1 August 2017. Study Selection A total of 23 studies examining pool-based swimming competitions or experimental trials in Englishlanguage and peer-reviewed journals were included in this review. Results In short- and middle-distance swimming events maintenance of swimming velocity is critical, whereas in & Katie E. McGibbon [email protected] 1
University of Canberra Research Institute for Sport and Exercise, University of Canberra, Building 29, Bruce, ACT, Australia
2
Queensland Academy of Sport, Nathan, QLD, Australia
3
Department of Physiology, Australian Institute of Sport, Bruce, ACT, Australia
4
New South Wales Institute of Sport, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW, Australia
long-distance events a low lap-to-lap variability and the ability to produce an end spurt in the final lap(s) are key. The most effective strategy in the individual medley (IM) is to conserve energy during the butterfly leg to optimise performance in subsequent legs. The pacing profiles of senior swimmers remain relatively stable irrespective of opponents, competition stage or type, and performance time. Conclusion Implementing event-specific pacing strategies should benefit the performance of competitive swimmers. Given differences between swimmers, there is a need for greater individualisation when considering pacing strategy selection across distances and strokes.
Key Points The ability to maintain swimming velocity throughout a race is vital for optimising performance across all events. Although pacing profiles in competition have been well characterised, it is unclear whether these are optimal, therefore implementing alternative pacing strategies may benefit performance in some swimmers. Coaches and sports scientists should consider greater individualisation when determining a swimmers’ optimal pacing strategy.
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1 Introduction
2 Methods
The main objective in competitive swimming is to complete the race in the fastest possible time. To achieve this objective, energy use needs to be distribut
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