Natación artística en niñas: antropometría, genotipo y rendimiento deportivo / Artistic Swimming in Girls: Anthropometrics, Genotype and Athletic Performance

En cada deporte es importante optimizar peso y composición corporal y la genética y los datos antropométricos pueden influir en rendimiento deportivo y salud, sobre todo en deportistas menores. Este estudio analiza 60 nadadoras artísticas entre 9 y 17 años, divididas en tres grupos de edad: ≤12, 13-15 y 16-17 años. Se realizó un análisis de medidas antropométricas, edad de menarquia, genotipo relacionado con rendimiento (gen ACTN3) y resultados deportivos, con objetivo de relacionar estos parámetros entre sí en los grupos de edad. Las nadadoras de mayor edad mostraron tendencia a portar el genotipo heterocigoto RX de ACTN3. En este estudio, la práctica de este deporte podría tener impacto en índice de masa corporal, pliegue tricipital, peso y edad de menarquia. La mayor prevalencia del genotipo heterocigoto ACTN3 R577X podría ofrecer una ventaja, pero el rendimiento en competición de las nadadoras artísticas tuvo poca relación con sus medidas antropométricas. (AU)

In sport, optimizing weight and body composition is important for performance although an excessive drive for thinness can lead to diminished performance and health problems. This is especially important in the youngest athletes. This study examines 60 national competition-level Spanish artistic swimmers aged 9-17 years. Participants were divided into 3 categories: 12 years and under, 13-15 and 16-17 years. The data analysed were anthropometric measures, menarche age, genotype related to performance (gene ACTN3) and athletic performance. Relationships between athletic performance and anthropometric or genetic data were compared among the three age groups. Swimmers showed a tendency to carry the heterozygous genotype RX of the ACTN3 gene in the older age group. In this study, this sport could have an impact on body mass index, triceps skinfold, weight, menarche age, and selection of one genotype, but the performance in competition of the artistic swimmers had little linking to anthropometric measures. (AU)

Crawl technique observation sheet for beginning swimmers: an evaluation proposal for swimming teachers

Abstract Aims: This study aimed to present a technical evaluation proposal for the crawl stroke that can be used with large groups of swimmers, based on an observation sheet. Methods: Fifteen healthy university students aged between 18 and 30 years were chosen to participate in the study. The subjects were recorded swimming at a distance of 50 meters using the crawl technique at a comfortable and self-determined speed. The recordings simulated docent observation capacity. Five swimming teachers were selected to evaluate the proposed checklist and the subjects' technique. An observation sheet was created based on references present in literature containing ten items that are considered fundamental for swimming movements. The study was divided into (i) checklist validation, (ii) intra-evaluator consistency, and (iii) inter-evaluator consistency. Results: The proposed checklist fulfilled the validity criteria, with intra-evaluator consistency varying between reasonable and substantial, with k varying between 0.36 and 0.73 respectively, while inter-evaluator consistency was deemed reasonable (k = 0.24). Conclusion: According to the results that were obtained, the suggested list is valid and adequate for what it proposes to do.

Physical exercise modifies behavioral and molecular parameters related to opioid addiction regardless of training time.

Addiction is a devastating worldwide disorder that requires effective and innovative therapies. Physical exercise could be useful in addiction treatment because it shares a common neural circuit with addictive drugs. Based on this, molecular adaptations consequent to time of exercise in opioid exposed animals were evaluated. Rats were designed as sedentary (SED) or exercised (EXE). This last group was separated to perform three different periods of swimming: short-term (S-EXE), medium-term (M-EXE) and long-term (L-EXE) for 14, 28 and 42 days, respectively. On the last exercising week, one-half of the animals from SED and all animals from S-, M- and l-EXE were concomitantly exposed to morphine-conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm and y-maze task for behavioral assessments followed by molecular assays in both Nucleus accumbens (NAc) and hippocampus. Between SED groups, morphine conditioning showed drug-CPP and increased dopamine transporter (DAT), dopamine receptor type-1 (D1R), type-2 (D2R) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in both brain areas in relation to saline group. Besides the small morphine-CPP in relation to SED group, all periods decreased DAT, D1R, and GR immunoreactivity in NAc, DAT and D1R in hippocampus, while D2R in both brain areas and GR in hippocampus were primarily decreased by L-EXE. Our findings show that even a short-term exercise modifies behaviors related to drug withdrawal, changing DA targets and GR, which are closely linked to addiction. Therefore, our outcomes involving physical exercise are interesting to perform a possible clinical trial, thus expanding the knowledge about drug addiction.

Performance trends in 3000 m open-water age group swimmers from 25 to 89 years competing in the FINA World Championships from 1992 to 2014.

We investigated trends in participation, performance and sex difference in performance in 3000 m freestyle in age groups swimmers (25-29 to 85-89 years) competing in the Fédération Internationale de Natation World Masters Championships between 1992 and 2014. During this period, participation increased in women and men. Women and men improved race times across years in all age groups. Women were slower in age groups 25-29 to 70-74 years. In age groups 75-79 and 85-89 years, however, race times were similar for both women and men. Sex difference in performance remained unchanged across years. In summary, performance improved across years in all age groups, men were faster than women up to the age group 70-74 years and women were not able to reduce the sex difference in performance to men across years. For athletes and coaches, an increase in participation and a continuous improvement in performance can be expected in these age group athletes.

Performance trends in age group breaststroke swimmers in the FINA World Championships 1986-2014.

Performance trends in breaststroke swimmers competing at world class level in pool competitions are well investigated for elite swimmers, but not for age group swimmers. This study investigated trends in participation, performance and sex difference in performance in a total of 35,143 (16,160 women and 18,983 men) age group breaststroke swimmers aged 25-29 to 95-99 years competing in the Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA) World Masters Championships between 1986 and 2014. Trends in participation were analysed using linear regression analyses and trends in performance were investigated using mixed-effects regression analyses with sex, distance and calendar year as fixed variables. Women and men improved performance in all age groups. For age groups 25-29 to 85-89 years, men were faster than women. For age groups 90-94 to 95-99 years, men were not faster than women. Sex and distance showed a significant interaction for all distances in age groups 25-29 to 80-84 years. In 50 m, women reduced the gap to men in age groups 40-44 to 70-74 years and in 100 m and 200 m, women reduced the gap in age groups 50-54 to 60-64 years. In summary, (i) women and men improved performance in all race distances and in all age groups, (ii) men were faster than women from 25 to 89 years, but not from 90 to 99 years, and (iii), women reduced the gap to men between ~40 and ~75 years, but not in younger (<40 years) or older (>75 years) age groups. Based on these findings for a time period of nearly 30 years, we may assume a further increase in participation and a further improvement in performance in the near future in age group breaststroke swimmers competing at world class level.

Motivos de Práctica Físico-Deportiva en Mujeres: Diferencias entre Practicantes y no Practicantes / Motivos de práctica físico-desportiva em mulheres. diferças enre praticantes e não praticantes / Reason for doing activity and sports in women: the differences between practitioners and non-practitioners

Para avanzar en el conocimiento de las razones de práctica de las mujeres comprometidas con una actividad físico-deportiva y contribuir a la disminución de las altas tasas de mujeres sedentarias, este trabajo estudia los motivos de práctica de mujeres practicantes versus no practicantes, con una muestra de 197 y 164 mujeres, respectivamente. Con una muestra de 328 mujeres, las propiedades psicométricas del Cuestionario de contenido de los objetivos en el ejercicio (GCEQ) de Sebire, Standage, y Vansteeskiste (2008) mostraron que la escala era válida y fiable para medir los motivos de práctica en mujeres. El motivo salud mostró valores medios más altos, seguido de la imagen y el desarrollo de la habilidad. Concretamente, las practicantes valoraban más la salud y desarrollo de la habilidad, mientras que las no practicantes declararon que practicarían por afiliación y reconocimiento social. Se discuten estos resultados respecto a la optimización de futuros programas orientados a la mujer

To advance the understanding of the practical reasons for women engaged in an activity and help to reduce high rates of sedentary women, this article examines the motives for practicing women versus non-practicing, with a sample of 197 and 164 women, respectively. With a sample of 328 women, the psychometric properties of the Goal Content for Exercise Questionnaire (GCEQ) of Sebire, Standage, and Vansteeskiste (2008) showed that the scale was valid and reliable measure of practical motives for women. The motive health showed higher average values, followed by the image and skill development. Practitioners valued the health and skill development, while non-practitioners said they would practice for affiliation and social recognition. These results are discussed with respect to the optimization of programs aimed at women

heres, Actividade físico-desportiva, Motivação, Teoria da autodeterminaçãoPara avançar na compreensão das razões das mulheres comprometidas com uma actividade físico-desportiva e contribuir para a redução das altas taxasde mulheres sedentárias, este trabalho examina os motivos para a prática de praticantes do sexo feminino versus não-praticantes com uma amostra de197 e 164 mulheres, respectivamente. Com uma amostra de 328 mulheres, as propriedades psicométricas do Questionário de conteúdo dos objectivosno exercício(GCEQ) de Sebire, Standage, e Vansteeskiste (2008) mostraram que a escala era válida e fiável para medir os motivos da prática emmulheres. O motivo saúde apresentou valores médios mais elevados, seguido da imagem e desenvolvimento de competências. Especificamente, os pra-ticantes valorizavam mais a saúde e o desenvolvimento da competência, enquanto as não-praticantes revelaram que praticariam por filiação e reconhe-cimento social. Esses resultados são discutidos relativamente à optimização dos futuros programas destinados às mulheres

Análisis multidimensional de la estructura de las rutinas competitivas en natación sincronizada / Análise multidimensional da estrutura das rotinas competitivas na natação sincronizada / Multidimensional analysis of the structure of competitive routines in synchronized swimming

El objetivo de este estudio fue caracterizar la estructura de las rutinas de solo y dúo de natación sincronizada. Para ello se utilizó un diseño observacional puntual, nomotético y multidimensional. El instrumento observacional ad hoc fue validado por 12 especialistas. Se utilizó como instrumento de registro el programa LINCE. La fiabilidad en la observación se determinó mediante el grado de concordancia intra e interobservador. Dieciocho nadadoras (seis medallistas olímpicas) participaron en el estudio. Se analizaron 39 rutinas: solo técnico (n = 9), solo libre (n = 11), dúo técnico (n = 10) y dúo libre (n = 9). El 61.6 ± 6.4 %) del tiempo de competición las nadadoras estaban con la cara dentro del agua, con apneas máximas de 21.1 ± 4.0 s. La posición más utilizada en el conjunto de rutinas fue la inferior (43.2 ± 5.3 %), siendo la fase de inmersión alta inferior la más reproducida (35.3 ± 5.0 %). En conclusión: 1) se dispone de una herramienta válida para el análisis de la estructura de las rutinas en natación sincronizada, 2) existen diferencias significativas en la estructura de las rutinas atendiendo a la duración total, las fases relativas de apnea y a la inmersión en distintas posiciones corporales

The aim of this study was to characterize the structure of solo and duet-based synchronized swimming routines. This was done using a specific nomothetic multidimensional observational design. The ad hoc observational instrument was validated by 12 specialists. The data was recorded using LINCE software, and observational reliability was determined by calculating the degree of intra-observer and inter-observer agreement. The participants were 18 female swimmers (including six Olympic medallists), and 39 routines were analysed: technical solos (n = 9), free solos (n = 11), technical duets (n = 10) and free duets (n = 9). The swimmers spent 61.6 ± 6.4 % of the competition time with their faces immersed in the water, with maximum apnea of 21.1 ± 4.0 s. The inverted-vertical position was the most widely taken in routines (43.2 ± 5.3 %), with the phase of deep immersion in that position being the most commonly reproduced (35.3 ± 5.0 %). In conclusion: 1) the observational instrument is a valid tool for analysing the structure of routines in synchronized swimming; and 2) there are significant differences in the structure of routines as regards their total duration, episodes of apnea, and the degree of immersion in different body positions

Natação sincronizada, Metodologia observacional, Apneia, Posição corporal, Imersão. RESUMO: O objectivo deste estudo foi caracterizar a estrutura das rotinas individuais e duplas de natação sincronizada. Para tal foi utilizado um delineamento observacional pontual, nomotético e multidimensional. O instrumento observacional ad hoc foi validado por 12 especialistas. Utilizou-se como instrumento de registo o programa LINCE. A fidelidade na observação foi determinada mediante o grau de concordância intra e interobservador. Dezoito nadadoras (seis medalhistas olímpicas) participaram no estudo. Foram analisadas 39 rotinas; solo técnico (n = 9), solo livre (n = 11), duo técnico (n = 10) e duo livre (n = 9). As nadadoras estavam totalmente imersas na água em 61.6 % (± 6.4 %) do tempo de competição, com apneias máximas de 21.1 ± 4.0 s. A posição mais utilizada no conjunto de rotinas foi a imersão inferior (43.2 ± 5.3 %), sendo a fase de imersão total a mais reproduzida (35.3 ± 5.0 %). Em suma: 1) dispõem-se de uma ferramenta válida para a análise da estructura das rotinas na natação sincronizada, 2) existem diferenças significativas na estructura das rotinas atendendo à duração total, às fases relativas de apneia e à imersão em distintas posições corporais

The changes in age of peak swim speed for elite male and female Swiss freestyle swimmers between 1994 and 2012.

This study determined the age and its changes across years of peak swimming performance from 50 to 1,500 m freestyle. Data of 70,059 Swiss freestyle swimmers (33,725 women and 36,334 men) aged 10-40 years and competing from 50 to 1,500 m were analysed. The association between age and swimming speed of the annual ten fastest swimmers was investigated using single and multi-level hierarchical regression analyses. For women, age of peak swimming speed increased in 50 m from 18.9 (s = 2.3) to 20.4 (s = 4.2) years but decreased in 1,500 m from 25.0 (s = 13.1) (1996) to 18.1 (s = 3.7) years. For 100-800 m, age remained at 19.1 (s = 1.1), 19.3 (s = 1.1), 18.7 (s = 1.5) and 18.5 (s = 1.3) years, respectively. For men, age of peak swimming speed decreased in 50 m from 23.0 (s = 4.0) to 23.0 (s = 3.5) but remained for 100-1,500 m at 22.5 (s = 1.4), 21.4 (s = 0.9), 20.3 (s = 0.9), 20.3 (s = 0.9) and 20.3 (s = 1.1) years, respectively. Age was positively associated with swimming speed for 50-800 m, but negatively for 1,500 m. In conclusion, the age of peak swimming speed was younger in women compared to men for 50-800 m freestyle. For women, age of peak swimming speed increased in 50 m but decreased in 1,500 m freestyle across years. For men, age of peak swimming speed decreased in 50 m freestyle.

Trends in Triathlon Performance: Effects of Sex and Age.

The influences of sex and age upon endurance performance have previously been documented for both running and swimming. A number of recent studies have investigated how sex and age influence triathlon performance, a sport that combines three disciplines (swimming, cycling and running), with competitions commonly lasting between 2 (short distance: 1.5-km swim, 40-km cycle and 10-km run) and 8 h (Ironman distance: 3.8-km swim,180-km cycle and 42-km run) for elite triathletes. Age and sex influences upon performance have also been investigated for ultra-triathlons, with distances corresponding to several Ironman distances and lasting several days, and for off-road triathlons combining swimming, mountain biking and trail running. Triathlon represents an intriguing alternative model for analysing the effects of age and sex upon endurance and ultra-endurance ([6 h) performance because sex differences and age-related declines in performance can be analysed in the same individuals across the three separate disciplines. The relative participation of both females and masters athletes (age[40 years) in triathlon has increased consistently over the past 25 years. Sex differences in triathlon performance are also known to differ between the modes of locomotion adopted (swimming, cycling or running) for both elite and non-elite triathletes. Generally, time differences between sexes in swimming have been shown to be smaller on average than during cycling and running. Both physiological and morphological factors contribute to explaining these findings. Performance density (i.e. the time difference between the winner and tenth-placed competitor) has progressively improved (time differences have decreased) for international races over the past two decades for both males and females, with performance density now very similar for both sexes. For age-group triathletes, sex differences in total triathlon performance time increases with age. However,the possible difference in age-related changes in the physiological determinants of endurance and ultra-endurance performances between males and females needs further investigation. Non-physiological factors such as low rates of participation of older female triathletes may also contribute to the greater age-related decline in triathlon performance shown by females. Total triathlon performance has been shown to decrease in a curvilinear manner with advancing age. However, when triathlon performanceis broken down into its three disciplines, there is a smaller age-related decline in cycling performance than in running and swimming performances. Age-associated changes in triathlon performance are also related to the total duration of triathlon races. The magnitude of the declines in cycling and running performances with advancing age for short triathlons are less pronounced than for longer Ironman distance races. Triathlon distance is also important when considering how age affects the rate of the decline in performance. Off-road triathlon performances display greater decrements with age than road-based triathlons, suggesting that the type of discipline (road vs. mountain bike cycling and road vs. trail running) is an important factor in age-associated changes in triathlon performance.Finally, masters triathletes have shown relative improvements in their performances across the three triathlon disciplines and total triathlon event times during Ironman races over the past three decades. This raises an important issue as to whether older male and female triathletes have yet reached their performance limits during Ironman triathlons

Male swimmers cross the English Channel faster than female swimmers.

We examined the gender difference in performance of open-water ultra-swimmers crossing the English Channel between 1875 and 2011. A total of 1606 swimmers (1120 males and 486 females) crossed the English Channel within a mean time of 809.6 ± 175.6 min. The overall female swim time of 796.3 ± 188.7 min was not different compared with the overall male swim time of 815.4 ± 169.4 min (P > 0.05). The fastest male swim time ever of 417 min was 6.7% faster than the fastest female swim time ever with 445 min. The gender difference in performance of the top three times ever was 8.9 ± 2.3%. Over the last 36 years, the performance of the annual top three swimmers showed no changes for both females and males. The top three males (564.3 ± 63.8 min) were significantly faster than the top three females (602.1 ± 58.7 min; P < 0.01). The gender difference remained unchanged at 12.5 ± 9.6% over the years. To summarize, the top three male swimmers in the English Channel were ∼12% faster than the females in the last 36 years. It seems unlikely that female open-water ultra-swimmers will overtop males in the near future in the English Channel.

Best performances by men and women open-water swimmers during the 'English Channel Swim' from 1900 to 2010.

Little research has examined ultra-endurance swimming performances. The 'English Channel Swim', where swimmers have to cover a distance of 32 km between England and France represents a unique long-distance, open-water, sea-swimming challenge, and each year swimmers from all over the world try to succeed in this challenge. The best times in minutes and the nationality of successful men and women swimmers were analysed from 1900 to 2010. A total of 1,533 swimmers (455 women and 1,078 men) from more than 40 countries have successfully completed the 'English Channel Swim'. Great Britain was the country most represented, with 38% of the total, followed by the United States with 20%. Swim speed has increased progressively for both sexes (P < 0.001) but was lower for women than for men (0.68 ± 0.15 m · s⁻¹ vs 0.71 ± 0.16 m · s⁻¹ respectively, P < 0.01). However, the best annual performances did not differ between the sexes (men: 0.89 ± 0.20 m · s⁻¹; women: 0.84 ± 0.18 m · s⁻¹, P > 0.05). The results suggest that the performance of women open-water ultra-distance swimmers may be similar to that of men. Further studies investigating anthropometrical and physiological characteristics of open-water ultra-swimmers are needed to compare men's and women's open-water ultra-swim performances.

Programa de natación adaptada para personas mayores dependientes: beneficios psicológicos, físicos y fisiológicos / Adapted aquatics program for senior dependents: psychological, physical and physiological benefits

El objetivo del presente estudio se centró en examinar los efectos de un programa de ejercicio físico, basado en la práctica de la natación adaptada, sobre la autoestima, la reducción del peso, el equilibrio y la movilidad articular. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 33 personas dependientes mayores de 60 años. El programa de intervención motriz basado en la práctica de la natación adaptada se aplicó durante ocho meses. Se evaluaron los niveles de autoestima con la Escala de Rosenberg, y las demás variables: peso, equilibrio y movilidad articular, tanto al inicio como a la finalización del programa. Se realizaron diferentes análisis descriptivos e inferenciales que permitieron concluir que se habían obtenido mejoras significativas en autoestima, reducción de peso, optimización del equilibrio y de la movilidad articular. El programa de intervención motriz de natación adaptada ha influido significativamente en la salud y mejora del bienestar de las personas de la muestra (AU)

The purpose of this work was to study the effects of an adapted swimming-based exercise programme on self-esteem, weight reduction, balance and joint mobility. The sample consisted of 33 participants over 60 years of age from Almeria. The adapted swimming-based motor intervention programme was applied for eight months. Levels of self-esteem and the other variables -weight, balance and joint mobility- were assessed with the Rosenberg Scale at the beginning and the end of the programme. Various descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted and it was found that significant improvements had been achieved in self-esteem, weight reduction, optimization of balance and joint mobility. The adapted swimming-based motor intervention programme significantly influenced the health and betterment of the people in the sample (AU)

Estudio cualitativo y comparativo sobre los beneficios en salud de un programa de natación terapéutica / Qualitative and comparative study about the benefits in health provides by a therapeutic swimming progr

Se presenta un estudio cualitativo sobre la naturaleza de un programa de natación terapéutica y los beneficios que proporciona en la salud física y psicosocial de los usuarios. Se comparan esos beneficios con los obtenidos por los participantes en otros programas de movilidad de carácter lúdico y recreativo. Estas actividades se justifican en el marco de instalaciones deportivas municipales ante la ausencia de respuesta desde el sistema sanitario a las necesidades de movilidad relacionadas con la salud. Metodológicamente, este trabajo presenta 3 modalidades: a) estudio de un caso para analizar el programa de natación terapéutica; b) serie de casos transversales para analizar las actividades de movilidad, y c) un estudio descriptivo específico para informar acerca de los programas de movilidad que se realizan en las instituciones sanitarias. De nuestros análisis se desprende que: el programa de natación terapéutica es un programa de educación para la salud del que se derivan importantes beneficios en salud, desde el punto de vista físico y psicosocial; la mayoríaa de los usuarios de los programas de movilidad de carácter lúdico acuden con la intención de mejorar su salud y lo consiguen, pero en mucha menor medida que los del programa de natación terapéutica; el sistema sanitario no ofrece una respuesta adecuada a las necesidades de salud relacionadas con la movilidad; el programa de natación terapéutica surge como respuesta desde la sociedad a sus propias necesidades de salud, y el ámbito comunitario constituye un espacio de trabajo para la fisioterapia(AU)

We present a qualitative study about the nature of a swimming therapeutic program, andthe benefits in physical and psycho-social health that provides the users who participate in Communityit. We compare these benefits with the obtained ones by the participants in other physicalactivity programs of playful and recreational character. We justify these activities inmunicipal sport facilities field because of the answer absence from Sanitary System to thenecessities of mobility related to health. Methodologically, our work presents threemodalities: (a) study of a case to analyze the program of Therapeutic Swimming; (b) seriesof cross-sectional cases to analyze the mobility activities; and (c) a specific descriptivestudy to inform us about the mobility programs that are made in the sanitary institutions.Our analyses it is come off: that the program of therapeutic swimming is a program ofeducation for the health from which important benefits in health are derived from thephysical and psycho-social point of view; that most of the users of the programs of mobilityof playful character they go with the intention to improve his health and they obtain it, butin much smaller measurement than those of the program of therapeutic swimming; thatthe sanitary system does not offer suitable answer to the necessities of health related tomobility; that the program of therapeutic swimming arises like answer from the society toits own necessities of health; that the communitarian scope constitutes a space to work forPhysiotherapist

Atividades aquáticas em idosos portadores de patologias / Water activities in aged with pathologies

O meio aquático se demonstrou favorável, havendo benefícios hemodinâmicos e boa tolerância aos trabalhos feitos na água para cardiopatas crônicos, bem como em trabalhos de hidroginástica e em pessoas com eventos cerebrovasculares. Com relação à perda de massa óssea e da força, em casos mais severos, o trabalho em meio aquático seria viável, sendo que estudos demonstraram melhoras em termos de mobilidade e preparação pra trabalhos em ambiente terrestre. Os benefícios do trabalho em meio líquido se encontram praticamente consolidados, principalmente no que se refere à segurança destas atividades e à possibilidade de locomoção por parte de idosos com dificuldade de locomoção.

Scaling laws and forecasting in athletic world records.

In this study, we analysed running world records and found that the mean speed of the race, mu, as a function of the record time, tau, can be described asymptotically by two well-defined scaling laws of the form mu approximately tau(-beta). There is a break in the scaling laws (approximately 1000 m) between the shorter and the longer races at a characteristic time of around 150-170 s, after which a new scaling regime emerges. This is the first occasion that this characteristic time has been clearly found in physical terms; we interpreted it as the transition time between the anaerobic and the aerobic energy expenditure of athletes. This phenomenon is independent of the athletes' sex and is also found in swimming races with similar values of the characteristic time. We also investigated the forecasting of world records using historical data. Using an approach based on the identification of non-Poissonian events for a sequence of temporal point processes, we found that the sequence of improvements in all athletic records from 1900 to the present day cannot be considered as a sequence of completely random events.

Ahogamiento o casi ahogamiento en la infancia. Resultados del Hospital La Fe de Valencia / Drowning or near-drowning in childhood. Result of La Fe Hospital in Valencia

Objetivo: Analizar las características epidemiológicas de los ahogamientos y casi ahogamientos en nuestro medio con vistas a la prevención. Método: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo con componente analítico. Hospital Infantil La Fe de Valencia, que cubre una población pediátrica de 164.127 niños de 0-14 años. Pacientes con ahogamiento o casi ahogamiento, atendidos en el servicio de urgencias u hospitalizados, durante 1993.Resultados: 13 pacientes en total, 12 (92,3 por ciento) por casi ahogamiento y 1 por ahogamiento; 2 se remitieron a su domicilio y 11 (84,6 por ciento) se hospitalizaron. Incidencia anual de 4,3/100.000 niños de 0-14 años. Predominio de varones (76,9 por ciento) y de 0-4 años (53,9 por ciento para el total de pacientes y 63,6 por ciento en los ingresados). 61,5 por ciento en los meses de julio y agosto. Lugar del accidente de los pacientes ingresados: piscina 72,7 por ciento, mar 18,2 por ciento, acequia 9,1 por ciento. 76,9 por ciento del total había recibido atención médica previa. Duración de la hospitalización (mediañDE) 55,1ñ89,4 horas. 81,8 por ciento permanecieron ingresados < 50 horas. Precisaron intensivos el 27,3 por ciento. Un varón de tres años se ahogó en una acequia. Ningún paciente presentó secuelas. Conclusiones. Predominio de varones y en menores de cinco años. Variación estacional. Piscina como lugar de riesgo. Corta estancia hospitalaria. Una adecuada reanimación puede modificar la evolución de los pacientes. Necesidad de prevención (AU)

Características da braçada em diferentes distâncias no estilo crawl e correlaçöes com a performance / Stroking Characteristics in different distances in Freestyle swimming and its relationship with performance

[1]Caputo F., Lucas R. D., Greco C. C., Denadai B. S. Características da braçada em diferentes distâncias no estilo crawl e correlaçöes com a performance, Rev. Bras. Ciên. e Mov. 8 (3):07-13,2000. s objeivos deste estudo foram: 1) analisar as características da braçada (freqüência de braçada - Fbr, distância por braçada - Dbr e o índice de braçada - IB) nas distâncias de 50m, 100m, 200m, e 400m no nado crawl e 2) analisar as correlaçöes entre estes índices e a performance, nestas distâncias. Participaram deste estudo 16 atletas do sexo masculino, com idades entre 14 e 28 anos. Após os sujeitos realizarem um tiro máximo, nas distâncias de 50, 100, 200 e 400m no nado crawl , foi calculada a velocidade média (Vm), a Fbr a Dbr e o IB. A Dbr foi significamente diferente apenas entre a distância de 50m com 200m e 400m, e nos 100m com os 400m. Por outro lado, foram encontradas diferenças significantes entre tôdas as distâncias para a Fbr. O IB näo foi diferente entre todas as distâncias. As correlaçöes entr o IB e a Vm, para as distâncias de 50, 100, 200 e 400m foram significantes (r= 0,89, 0,90, 0,86 e 0,75, respectivamente). Para a Vm e a Dbr foram obtidas correlaçöes significantes para as distâncias de 50, 100, e 200m (r= 0,72, 0,71, 0,56, respectivamente), näo ocorrendo o mesmo para a distância de 400m (r=0,30). Com base nestes dados, pode-se concluir que em indivíduos de performance moderada, a Dbr, o IB podem ser utilizados para a prediçäo de performance do nado crawl, particularmente em curtas e médias distâncias.Nestes indivíduos o efeito da distância de prova sobre a Dbr parece apresentar um comportamento diferente do encontrado em nadadores de alto nível e que säo especialistas em determinadas distâncias.

Open water swimming. Particular medical problems.

Open water swimming is a rapidly growing discipline within organized aquatic sport. Although endurance swimmers have been challenged by oceans, rivers, and lakes for many years, the real understanding of the science of the sport is a new development. Similarly, the clinical problems of long-distance swimming in frequently inhospitable environments now are recognized and managed more effectively. At all times, the health and safety of athletes remain our shared, prime concerns.