Acute effects of dryland muscular endurance and maximum strength training on sprint swimming performance in young swimmers.

The study examined acute effects of dryland muscular endurance (ME) and maximum strength (MS) sessions on performance, physiological, and biomechanical variables during a subsequent sprint swimming session. Twenty-seven swimmers (16.5 ± 2.6 yrs) completed three experimental conditions including: i) ME, 55% of 1-repetition maximum, ii) MS, 90% of 1-repetition maximum, and iii) control (CON, no dry-land). Twenty minutes following ME, MS and CON sessions swimmers performed a 10-s tethered swimming sprint, four by 50-m (4 × 50-m), and a 100-m front crawl sprints. Performance time, blood lactate, heart rate (HR), stroke rate (SR), stroke length (SL), stroke index (SI), and stroke efficiency (ηF) were measured during 4 × 50-m and 100-m. Hand grip strength (HG), and shoulder muscles isometric strength (ISO) were measured after each session. Mean 4 × 50-m time increased in ME compared to CON by 1.7 ± 2.7% (p = 0.01), while 100-m time was similar among conditions (p > 0.05). ISO was lower after dry-land training in all conditions (p = 0.01). Tethered force, HG, HR, SR, SL, SI, and ηF were no different between conditions (p > 0.05). Dryland ME session decrease swimming performance; however, ME and MS sessions did not affect technical ability during a subsequent maximum intensity swimming.

Habitual Nocturnal Sleep, Napping Behavior, and Recovery Following Training and Competition in Elite Water Polo: Sex-Related Effects.

PURPOSE: To examine nocturnal sleep patterns, napping behaviors, and subjective wellness responses of elite water polo players within an in-season week and to identify whether sleeping patterns differ between men and women. METHODS: Sleep characteristics of 10 male and 17 female professional water polo players were objectively assessed during 1 week of the in-season period, including 5 training days, 1 match day, and 1 day of rest. Internal load (rating of perceived exertion × duration of training or match) was assessed 30 minutes posttraining or postmatch, and the total quality of recovery was recorded every morning. A series of multilevel models were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Time in bed and wake-up time were earlier on both training (P < .001) and rest days (P < .001) than on the day of the match. Internal workload did not predict any of the players' sleeping patterns. Midday naps predicted less time in bed (P = .03) and likely less sleep time (P = .08). The total quality of recovery was predicted only by the total sleep time (P < .01). Women exhibited higher sleep efficiency (P < .001), less waking after sleep onset (P = .01), and a lower number of awakenings (P = .02) than men. CONCLUSIONS: The current results indicate that the nocturnal sleep patterns of elite water polo players are not associated with internal load and that women display better nocturnal sleep quality compared with men. As long naps interfere with nocturnal sleep, and total nocturnal sleep time predicts total quality of recovery, we suggest that athletes follow hygiene sleep strategies to facilitate adequate nocturnal sleep and next-day recovery.

In-Season Training Load Variation - Heart Rate Recovery, Perceived Recovery Status, and Performance in Elite Male Water Polo Players: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Increased training and competition demands of the in-season period may disturb athlete fatigue and recovery balance. The aim of this study was to describe the training load distribution applied in a competitive period and the training adaptations and fatigue/recovery status of elite water polo players. HYPOTHESIS: Effective workload management during tapering (TAP) would restore player recovery and enhance performance. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4. METHODS: Training load, perceived recovery, maximal speed in 100- and 200-meter swim, heart rate (HR) during submaximal swimming (HRsubmax) and HR recovery (HRR) were assessed in 7 outfield water polo players a week before starting a normal training microcycle (NM), after NM, and after congested (CON) and TAP training blocks in the lead-up to the Final Eight of the European Champions League. RESULTS: Training load was higher in NM compared with CON and TAP by 28.9 ± 2.6% and 42.8 ± 2.1% (P < 0.01, d = 11.54, and d = 13.45, respectively) and higher in CON than TAP by 19.4 ± 4.2% (P < 0.01, d = 3.78). Perceived recovery was lower in CON compared with NM and TAP (P < 0.01, d = 1.26 and d = 3.11, respectively) but not different between NM and TAP (P = 0.13, d = 0.62). Both 100- and 200-meter swim performance was improved in TAP compared with baseline (P < 0.01, d = 1.34 and d = 1.12, respectively). No differences were detected among other training blocks. HRsubmax and most HRR were similar among the training periods. CONCLUSION: Effective management of training load at TAP can restore recovery and improve swimming performance without affecting HR responses. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Despite lower workloads, CON training impairs perceived recovery without affecting performance; however, a short-term training load reduction after a CON fixture restores recovery and improves performance.

Intensified Olympic Preparation: Sleep and Training-Related Hormonal and Immune Responses in Water Polo.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether sleeping activity, hormonal responses, and wellness are altered in elite water polo players during their preparation toward the Tokyo Olympics. METHODS: Eight elite-level water polo players participated in 3 consecutive training phases: (1) before the commencement of a residential-based conditioning camp (PRE-CAMP; 3 d), (2) residential-based conditioning camp (5 d), and (3) a congested period of training and competition (POST-CAMP; 8 d). Nocturnal sleep was monitored for 14 consecutive days in PRE-CAMP (2 d), CAMP (5 d), and POST-CAMP (7 d). Postawakening salivary cortisol, immunoglobulin-A, and subjective wellness were measured during PRE-CAMP, CAMP, and POST-CAMP, and internal training/match load (ITL) was calculated daily. The averaged values for dependent variables were compared among training phases and analyzed using linear mixed models. RESULTS: At CAMP compared with PRE-CAMP, ITL was higher (P < .01), and sleep onset and offset were earlier (P < .01). At this period, sleep interruptions and salivary cortisol were higher (P < .01, d = 1.6, d = 1.9, respectively), and subjective wellness was worsened (P < .01, d = 1.3). At POST-CAMP, the reduction of workload was followed by increased sleep efficiency, reduced sleep interruptions, and moderately affected salivary cortisol, yet overall wellness remained unaltered. In POST-CAMP, 2 of the players demonstrated severe symptoms of illness. CONCLUSIONS: At the highest level of the sport and prior to the Olympics, large increments in workload during a training camp induced meaningful sleep interruptions and salivary cortisol increases, both of which were reversed at POST-CAMP. We suggest that the increased workload alongside the inadequate recovery affects sleep patterns and may increase the risk of infection.

Evaluation of the Perceptions, Attitudes and Practices among Greek Non-Professional Athletes Visiting a Public Hospital during March 2022, towards COVID-19 Vaccination and Its Consequences on Sports Training and Sports Activity.

Sports have been majorly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. After the lockdown period, vaccination and protocols were implemented to return to normality. We aimed to assess the attitudes and practices related to COVID-19 vaccination among athletes, and to record adverse effects of vaccination, if any. A questionnaire was distributed to 1012 male and female athletes, 15+ years old, within the region of Athens. Vaccination coverage with at least one dose was 93.5%, whereas 53.9% were fully vaccinated. More than half of the participants were infected with SARS-CoV-2 at the time of the study. More than 90% of the participants, considered the vaccines as safe, effective and important for public health. Concern about potential side-effects was raised especially by women athletes (59.1% of women compared to 42.2% of men, p < 0.001). The main reasons for avoiding vaccination were fear of vaccine safety, concern about the short time period for vaccine development and testing and doubt of risk of being exposed to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The main reported side-effects were pain at the injection site, fatigue, fever and headache. Approximately two thirds of the participants reported that vaccination did not affect their training, and none reported missing participation in scheduled athletic events. Participants reported high compliance to preventive measures by themselves and fellow athletes, but low satisfaction regarding the implementation of public protocols and the flow of information provided by the authorities. Athletes of older age and those less concerned about potential side-effects were more likely to get fully vaccinated. Nevertheless, the vast majority of the athletes in our study were vaccinated for COVID-19 despite any hesitation regarding effectiveness, safety, or potential side-effects from the vaccines.

Effects of Dryland Training During the COVID-19 Lockdown Period on Swimming Performance.

PURPOSE: To examine the effect of dryland training during an 11-week lockdown period due to COVID-19 on swimming performance. METHODS: Twelve competitive swimmers performed 50- and 300-m maximum-effort tests in their preferred stroke and 200-, 400-, and four 50-m front crawl sprints (4 × 50 m) before and after the lockdown period. Critical speed as an index of aerobic endurance was calculated using (1) 50-, 300-, and (2) 200-, 400-m tests. Blood lactate concentration was measured after the 400- and 4 × 50-m tests. To evaluate strength-related abilities, the dryland tests included handgrip and shoulder isometric strength. Tethered swimming force was measured during a 10-second sprint. During the lockdown period, dryland training was applied, and the session rating of perceived exertion training (sRPE) load was recorded daily. RESULTS: sRPE training load during the lockdown was decreased by 78% (16%), and critical speed was reduced 4.7% to 4.9% compared to prelockdown period (P < .05). Performance time in 200, 300, and 400 m deteriorated 2.6% to 3.9% (P < .05), while it remained unaltered in 4 × 50- and 50-m tests (P > .05). Tethered force increased 9% (10%) (P < .01), but handgrip and shoulder isometric force remained unaltered (P > .05). Blood lactate concentration decreased 19% (21%) after the 400-m test and was unchanged following the 4 × 50-m tests (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Performance deterioration in the 200, 300, and 400 m indicates reduced aerobic fitness and impaired technical ability, while strength and repeated-sprint ability were maintained. When a long abstention from swimming training is forced, dryland training may facilitate preservation in short-distance but not middle-distance swimming performance.

Acute and Long-Term Effects of Concurrent Resistance and Swimming Training on Swimming Performance.

Dry-land resistance exercise (RT) is routinely applied concurrent to swimming (SWIM) training sessions in a year-round training plan. To date, the impact of the acute effect of RT on SWIM or SWIM on RT performance and the long-term RT-SWIM or SWIM-RT training outcome has received limited attention. The existing studies indicate that acute RT or SWIM training may temporarily decrease subsequent muscle function. Concurrent application of RT-SWIM or SWIM-RT may induce similar physiological alterations. Such alterations are dependent on the recovery duration between sessions. Considering the long-term effects of RT-SWIM, the limited existing data present improvements in front crawl swimming performance, dry-land upper and lower body maximum strength, and peak power in swim turn. Accordingly, SWIM-RT training order induces swimming performance improvements in front crawl and increments in maximum dry-land upper and lower body strength. Concurrent application of RT-SWIM or SWIM-RT training applied within a training day leads in similar performance gains after six to twelve weeks of training. The current review suggests that recovery duration between RT and SWIM is a predisposing factor that may determine the training outcome. Competitive swimmers may benefit after concurrent application with both training order scenarios during a training cycle.

Effects of an International Tournament on Heart Rate Variability and Perceived Recovery in Elite Water Polo Players.

ABSTRACT: Botonis, PG, Smilios, I, Platanou, TI, and Toubekis, AG. Effects of an international tournament on heart rate variability and perceived recovery in elite water polo players. J Strength Cond Res 36(8): 2313-2317, 2022-The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects of an international tournament participation in vagal-related heart rate variability and perceived recovery among elite water polo players. Nine elite water polo players participated in an intensified training week (pretournament) and then traveled abroad to take part in an international tournament including 3 high-competitive matches during a 4-day period. Internal workload was measured after training or competition. Morning, postwakening natural logarithm of the root mean square of successive differences (lnRMSSD) and measures of perceived recovery were obtained pretournament and daily during the tournament. Logarithm of the root mean square of successive differences was also measured 30 minutes after the completion of each match of the tournament. Logarithm of the root mean square of successive differences was suppressed after the first match ( p = 0.03, d = -0.75), compared with the first morning of the tournament, rebounded the following morning ( p = 0.03, d = 0.87), and remained unaltered until the third match. In the last morning of the tournament, LnRMSSD was higher compared with the first postmatch measurement ( p = 0.002, d = 1.57) and tended to be higher than pretournament ( p = 0.09, d = 0.81). Perceived recovery and internal workloads were lower in the tournament days compared with pretournament ( p < 0.001, d = 2.0 and p < 0.001, d = 14.0, respectively). In conclusion, heart rate variability may stabilize and progressively increase by the end of a tournament, as compared with a pretournament training period, reflecting an enhanced parasympathetic reactivation may be due to the reduced training load. By contrast, perceived recovery was suppressed indicating that other factors may also influence the overall recovery of the players.

The impact of daytime napping on athletic performance - A narrative review.

Mid-day napping has been recommended as a countermeasure against sleep debt and an effective method for recovery, regardless of nocturnal sleep duration. Herein, we summarize the available evidence regarding the influence of napping on exercise and cognitive performance as well as the effects of napping on athletes' perceptual responses prior to or during exercise. The existing studies investigating the influence of napping on athletic performance have revealed equivocal results. Prevailing findings indicate that following a normal sleep night or after a night of sleep loss, a mid-day nap may enhance or restore several exercise and cognitive performance aspects, while concomitantly provide benefits on athletes' perceptual responses. Most, but not all, findings suggest that compared to short-term naps (20-30 min), long-term ones (>35-90 min) appear to provide superior benefits to the athletes. The underlying mechanisms behind athletic performance enhancement following a night of normal sleep or the restoration after a night of sleep loss are not clear yet. However, the absence of benefits or even the deterioration of performance following napping in some studies is likely the result of sleep inertia. The present review sheds light on the predisposing factors that influence the post-nap outcome, such as nocturnal sleep time, mid-day nap duration and the time elapsed between the end of napping and the subsequent testing, discusses practical solutions and stimulates further research on this area.

Supercompensation in Elite Water Polo: Heart Rate Variability and Perceived Recovery.

We examined the association of heart rate variability assessed with the logarithm of the root mean square of successive differences (LnRMSSD) and perceived recovery status of nine elite water polo players with the fluctuations of the internal training load (ITL). ITL, post-wakening LnRMSSD, and measures of perceived recovery were obtained across one regeneration week, during two mesocycles of intensified preseason training (PR1, PR2) and during two mesocycles of in-season training (IN1, IN2). ITL at PR1 and PR2 was increased by 60-70% compared to regeneration week (p<0.01) and was reduced by 30% at IN1 and IN2 compared to PR1 and PR2 (p<0.01). Weekly averaged LnRMSSD (LnRMSSD mean ) was higher in IN2 compared to regeneration week and PR2 (p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively). Perceived recovery was higher at IN1 and IN2 compared to PR2 (p=0.01 and p<0.001, respectively). ITL correlated with LnRMSSD in the preseason (r=-0.26, p=0.03). Nonetheless, similar association was not apparent during the in-season period (r=0.02, p=0.88). Cardiac autonomic perturbations may not occur when an increment of internal training load is less than 60-70%. However, the reduction of training load in season by 30% improves both LnRMSSD mean and perceived recovery status, implying that training periodization may lead players in supercompensation.

Short-term sleep deprivation and human thermoregulatory function during thermal challenges.

NEW FINDINGS: What is the topic of this review? It is generally accepted that sleep deprivation constitutes a predisposing factor to the development of thermal injury. This review summarizes the available human-based evidence on the impact of sleep loss on autonomic and behavioural thermoeffectors during acute exposure to low and high ambient temperatures. What advances does it highlight? Limited to moderate evidence suggests that sleep deprivation per se impairs thermoregulatory defence mechanisms during exposure to thermal extremes. Future research is required to establish whether inadequate sleep enhances the risk for cold- and heat-related illnesses. ABSTRACT: Relatively short periods of inadequate sleep provoke physiological and psychological perturbations, typically leading to functional impairments and degradation in performance. It is commonly accepted that sleep deprivation also disturbs thermal homeostasis, plausibly enhancing susceptibility to cold- and heat-related illnesses. Herein, we summarize the current state of human-based evidence on the impact of short-term (i.e., ≤4 nights) sleep deprivation on autonomic and behavioural thermoeffectors during acute exposure to low and high ambient temperatures. The purpose of this brief narrative review is to highlight knowledge gaps in the area and stimulate future research to investigate whether sleep deprivation constitutes a predisposing factor for the development of thermal injuries.

Heart rate recovery responses after acute training load changes in top-class water polo players.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of acute training load changes of elite water polo players on heart rate recovery (HRR) responses after a standardized swimming test. Nine water polo players were tested after a two-day light-load and two-day heavy-load training. Preliminarily, critical swimming speed was calculated. Testing comprised of an intermittent 4 × 100-m swimming separated by 10 s of rest with an intensity corresponding to 85% of their maximum speed previously attained during a 100-m swim test followed immediately by assessment of HRR. Internal training load (ITL) was measured using the rating of perceived exertion and the duration of training sessions. The swimming speed corresponded to 1.43 ± 0.06 m·s-1 and 1.45 ± 0.06 m·s-1 after light-load and heavy-load training, respectively (p = 0.06, d = 0.74). ITL was increased in high-load compared to light-load training (p < 0.001, d = 11.54). The difference in HR at end of exercise (HR-end) and after 60 s rest and the difference in mean HR during last min of exercise and HR after 60 s rest were higher in light-load training (p < 0.05, d = 0.85-1.15). The absolute change in ITL was correlated with the respective change in the percentage change of HR-end at 10 s of recovery (%HRR10s) (r = 0.72, p = 0.03). Significant correlation was observed between the percentage change of ITL with the %HRR10s (r = 0.67, p = 0.05). We conclude that HRR tracks acute changes in training load. The lower HRR following high-load training likely indicates a blunted parasympathetic re-activation.

Verifying Physiological and Biomechanical Parameters during Continuous Swimming at Speed Corresponding to Lactate Threshold.

The purpose of this study was to verify the physiological responses and biomechanical parameters measured during 30 min of continuous swimming (T30) at intensity corresponding to lactate threshold previously calculated by an intermittent progressively increasing speed test (7 × 200 m). Fourteen competitive swimmers (18.0 (2.5) years, 67.5 (8.8) kg, 174.5 (7.7) cm) performed a 7 × 200 m front crawl test. Blood lactate concentration (BL) and oxygen uptake (VO2) were determined after each 200 m repetition, while heart rate (HR), arm-stroke rate (SR), and arm-stroke length (SL) were measured during each 200 m repetition. Using the speed vs. lactate concentration curve, the speed at lactate threshold (sLT) and parameters corresponding to sLT were calculated (BL-sLT, VO2-sLT, HR-sLT, SR-sLT, and SL-sLT). In the following day, a T30 corresponding to sLT was performed and BL-T30, VΟ2-T30, HR-T30, SR-T30, and SL-T30 were measured after the 10th and 30th minute, and average values were used for comparison. VO2-sLT was no different compared to VO2-T30 (p > 0.05). BL-T30, HR-T30, and SR-T30 were higher, while SL-T30 was lower compared to BL-sLT, HR-sLT, SR-sLT, and SL-sLT (p < 0.05). Continuous swimming at speed corresponding to lactate threshold may not show the same physiological and biomechanical responses as those calculated by a progressively increasing speed test of 7 × 200 m.

Validating Physiological and Biomechanical Parameters during Intermittent Swimming at Speed Corresponding to Lactate Concentration of 4 mmol·L-1.

BACKGROUND: Physiological and biomechanical parameters obtained during testing need validation in a training setting. The purpose of this study was to compare parameters calculated by a 5 × 200-m test with those measured during an intermittent swimming training set performed at constant speed corresponding to blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol∙L-1 (V4). METHODS: Twelve competitive swimmers performed a 5 × 200-m progressively increasing speed front crawl test. Blood lactate concentration (BL) was measured after each 200 m and V4 was calculated by interpolation. Heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), stroke rate (SR) and stroke length (SL) were determined during each 200 m. Subsequently, BL, HR, SR and SL corresponding to V4 were calculated. A week later, swimmers performed a 5 × 400-m training set at constant speed corresponding to V4 and BL-5×400, HR-5×400, RPE-5×400, SR-5×400, SL-5×400 were measured. RESULTS: BL-5×400 and RPE-5×400 were similar (p > 0.05), while HR-5×400 and SR-5×400 were increased and SL-5×400 was decreased compared to values calculated by the 5 × 200-m test (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: An intermittent progressively increasing speed swimming test provides physiological information with large interindividual variability. It seems that swimmers adjust their biomechanical parameters to maintain constant speed in an aerobic endurance training set of 5 × 400-m at intensity corresponding to 4 mmol∙L-1.

The effect of menstrual cycle on maximal breath-hold time.

This study investigated the effect of menstrual cycle phase on breath-hold time (BHT). Twelve healthy females, aged 18-30 yrs, with regular menstrual cycles, without breath-hold (BH) experience, performed a BH protocol which included eight repeated maximal efforts with face immersion in cool water separated by 2-min intervals in two different phases of menstrual cycle; early follicular (EF) phase and midluteal (ML) phase. Respiratory, cardiovascular and hematological responses were studied before, during and after BH efforts. Maximal BHT was significantly higher during ML (115.59 ±â€¯13.95 s) compared to EF (106.10 ±â€¯12.42 s) phase of the menstrual cycle. Metabolic rate and build-up of CO2 were higher (p < 0.001) in EF compared to ML phase. In conclusion, the greater BHT observed at the ML phase of the menstrual cycle may be the result of elevated levels of estrogen and progesterone during midluteal phase affecting both ventilatory response and metabolic rate.

High-Intensity Training in Water Polo: Swimming Versus Ball Drills.

PURPOSE: To examine the acute physiological responses and internal training load of long-interval swimming and water polo-specific drills in high-level water polo players. METHODS: A total of 10 water polo players performed both a high-intensity swimming without ball (SW) with intensity corresponding to 90% of their maximum speed previously attained during a 300-m swimming test or a counterattack ball drill (CA). Both SW and CA conditions were designed to provide equal time exposure. Thus, 3 bouts of 4 minutes duration and a 3-minute passive rest were performed in each condition. The players' physiological responses were assessed by continuous monitoring heart rate (HR) during CA and SW as well as by measuring blood lactate at the end of each condition. Rating of perceived exertion was recorded at the end of each bout. The Edwards summated HR zones were used to measure internal training load. RESULTS: Both peak and mean HR were similar between SW and CA, and no difference was detected between conditions in the percentage time spent at 90% to 100% of HRpeak. Postexercise blood lactate (8.5 [4.1] vs 11.5 [1.9] mmol·L-1) and rating of perceived exertion (8.1 [0.8] vs 8.7 [0.5] a.u.) values were lower in CA compared with SW (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: SW compared with CA showed similar cardiac stress but increased anaerobic metabolism activation and higher rating of perceived exertion. Either CA or SW may be both used in training practice as a means to effectively train physical conditioning of water polo players, whereas CA may also facilitate tactical preparation.

Thermoregulatory and cardiovasculareffects of capsaicin application on human skin during dynamic exercise to temperate and warm conditions.

Thermoregulatory and cardiovascular responses during cycling in temperate and warm environments without and with application of capsaicin on the skin were investigated. We hypothesized that regardless of environmental temperature, capsaicin application would activate heat loss mechanisms attenuating exercise-induced rectal temperature (Tre) and blood pressure increase. Eight males cycled at 55% of their maximal aerobic power so long as to reach 38.2°C Tre at 20.8 ± 1.0°C and at 30.6 ± 1.1°C ambient temperatures twice: without (NCA) and with (CA) application of capsaicin patches (12 × 18 cm, 4.8 mg). Patches were applied on pectoralis major, trapezius and vastus lateralis muscles. Thermoregulatory (Tre, proximal-distal skin temperature gradient, sweating rate), cardiovascular variables and oxygen uptake were continuously recorded. In both ambient conditions, during the first 14 min of exercise, the local vasoconstrictive tone as a function of the relative change in Tre was lower in CA than NCA (p < .05, d = 0.84-1.15). Further, sweating rate was higher and occurred at a lower Tre increase in CA compared to NCA (p = .03, d = 0.6) resulting in extended time to reach 38.2°C Tre (p = .03, d = 0.9). Moreover, oxygen consumption was higher in CA than in NCA (p < .001, d = 0.8). Mean arterial pressure was lower during cycling in warm compared to temperate environment, but was unaffected by capsaicin. We conclude that activation of thermal sensors by capsaicin results in lower Tre rise during exercise, which is mediated through greater skin vasodilation along with higher rate and earlier onset of sweating. Nonetheless, capsaicin application has no extra effect on exercise cardiovascular responses.

Effects of Concurrent Strength and High-Intensity Interval Training on Fitness and Match Performance in Water-Polo Players.

The purpose of the study was to examine changes in performance and match-induced fatigue over a 27-week training period. Eight national-level water-polo players performed a 5 x 200 m swimming test to calculate velocities corresponding to blood lactate concentration of 4.0, 5.0 and 10.0 mmol.l-1 at three testing periods: i) baseline, ii) end of the pre-season (8 weeks of 4 x 4 min swimming bouts), iii) end of the in-season (8 weeks of 8 x 20 m swimming sprints). During each testing period, four competitive matches were played and repeated sprints (8 x 20 m), 400 m swimming, and shooting accuracy were evaluated at the pre- and post-match. Repeated sprint tests were also conducted at mid-game. Analysis of variance for repeated measures was used to detect changes among training periods and within games. Swimming velocities corresponding to 4.0, 5.0 and 10.0 mmol.l-1 were increased after the pre-season by 9%, 7.7%, and 6.7% (p < 0.01) and decreased following the in-season compared to the pre-season by 8.9%, 7.0% and 3.3% (p < 0.01), respectively. Pre-match repeated sprints and 400 m performance were improved after the pre-season by 4.3% and 3.8% (p < 0.01) and decreased by ~3% after the in-season compared to the pre-season (p < 0.01). Mid- and post-match repeated sprint performance was improved after the pre-season by 4.8 ± 1.4% and 4.4 ± 1.1% and remained unchanged after the in-season compared to the pre-season. Post-match 400 m speed was improved by 3.2% after the pre-season (p < 0.01) and decreased by 2.8% after the in-season (p = 0.04).Pre-season training improved players' aerobic endurance and performance. Intensified in-season training decreased aerobic power, endurance, and pre-match performance while maintaining match repeated sprint performance.

Training Loads, Wellness and Performance Before and During Tapering for a Water-Polo Tournament.

We investigated the effectiveness of a short-duration training period including an overloaded (weeks 1 and 2) and a reduced training load period (weeks 3 and 4) on wellness, swimming performance and a perceived internal training load in eight high-level water-polo players preparing for play-offs. The internal training load was estimated daily using the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and session duration (session-RPE). Perceived ratings of wellness (fatigue, muscle soreness, sleep quality, stress level and mood) were assessed daily. Swimming performance was evaluated through 400-m and 20-m tests performed before (baseline) and after the end of weeks 2 and 4. In weeks 3 and 4, the internal training load was reduced by 19.0 ± 3.8 and 36.0 ± 4.7%, respectively, compared to week 1 (p = 0.00). Wellness was improved in week 4 (20.4 ± 2.8 AU) compared to week 1 and week 2 by 16.0 ± 2.2 and 17.3 ± 2.9 AU, respectively (p =0.001). At the end of week 4, swimming performance at 400-m and 20-m tests (299.0 ± 10.2 and 10.2 ± 0.3 s) was improved compared to baseline values (301.4 ± 10.9 and 10.4 ± 0.4 s, p < 0.05) and the overloading training period (week 2; 302.9 ± 9.0 and 10.4 ± 0.4 s, p < 0.05). High correlations were observed between the percentage reduction of the internal training load from week 4 to week 1 (-25.3 ± 5.5%) and the respective changes in 20-m time (-2.1 ± 2.2%, r = 0.88, p < 0.01), fatigue perception (39.6 ± 27.1%), muscle soreness (32.5 ± 26.6%), stress levels (25.6 ± 15.1%) and the overall wellness scores (28.6 ± 21.9%, r = 0.74-0.79, p < 0.05). The reduction of the internal training load improved the overall perceived wellness and swimming performance of players. The aforementioned periodization approach may be an effective training strategy in the lead-up to play-off tournaments.

Physiological and Tactical On-court Demands of Water Polo.

Botonis, PG, Toubekis, AG, and Platanou, TI. Physiological and tactical on-court demands of water polo. J Strength Cond Res 33(11): 3188-3199, 2019-The purpose of the present review is to provide a quantification of the specific game's activities performed by elite water polo players and a comprehensive overview of the physiological requirements reflecting physical and tactical on-court demands in water polo. Game analysis demonstrates that various swimming movements occur throughout a match play, although approximately 50% of these are recorded in horizontal body position. The various offensive and defensive tactical actions transiently modify the playing intensity, which overall corresponds to the players' lactate threshold. Even play corresponds to 60% of total game actions, whereas the respective percentage of power-play and counterattacks may exceed 30%. The ability to perform high-intensity activities with short recovery periods is critical for water polo players. Elite water polo players present a high level of aerobic power and endurance as indicated by their maximal oxygen uptake and speed at the lactate threshold. Depending on the positional roles, outfield players are characterized as centers or peripherals. The overall physiological load seems to be similar between players at various positions, despite that centers execute more dynamic body contacts, whereas peripherals more swimming bouts. Despite limitations concerning the experimental setting, the current findings indicate that the incidence of fatigue deteriorates playing intensity and performance. Nonetheless, data from the reviewed studies should be cautiously interpreted because in some of the studies, players' substitutions were not allowed. A high conditioning level is essential for water polo, as it is associated with superior technical and tactical efficacy and lower decline of physical or technical performance within the game.