Einfluss von HI(I)T-Training auf Sprintfähigkeit, Wettkampfleistung und Oxidativen Stress bei Masterschwimmerinnen umd Masterschwimmern

Publication: Book/ReportDissertations

Abstract


Introduction: The population is increasingly aging. Among others this trend also has an influence on the field of sports. The so-called 'Masters Sport' enjoys increasing number of participants and popularity. In swimming, you are part of the Masters when being older than 20. Despite the increasing age and the related losses in performance caused by physiological reasons the intentions and demands concerning the development of performance remain unchanged. It is justified to talk about competitive sports in the field of Masters with the aim to achieve best performance or to maintain one's top form. Due to private and/or job-related commitments, the Masters swimmer, however, is often not in the position to provide the amount of time required by the discipline of swimming because of the intensive training efforts. Others are looking for new training stimuli. Training concepts with a short duration of time but having the same efficiency as an extensive training (see HVT = High Volume Training) are required. But not much is known so far about the benefits and consequences of a training method for Masters swimmers contrary to the HVT - the HIT or HIIT (High Intensity Training and High Intensity Interval Training respectively). Therefore, the objective of this thesis was to examine to what extent HI(I)T is effective in view of an increase in performance. Regarding the aspect of health the formation of oxidative stress (OS) before (=basal) and after a maximum performance (step test in swimming up to the maximum heart rate) were at the focal point. Furthermore the age-related development of performance in the discipline of swimming at an age between 20 and 69 was investigated with the intention to develop appropriate measures to organize the field of Masters swimming, if and when necessary.
Methods: At 24 performance-orientated female and male Masters swimmers (aged 22-67; national and international level) the effect of a 3-month HI(I)T on the performance at a 15 m-sprint and during competitions as well as its influence on the formation of OS before (basal) or after maximum performance (step test in swimming up to the maximum heart rate each time) was investigated. Regarding the OS the changes in the overall group as well as differentiated according to sex and age (under 50 (U50), older than 50 (O50)) were particularly examined. The development of performance of female and male German Masters swimmers was analysed by means of a cross-sectional analysis of TOP-5 Masters swimmers of the age group (AK) 20 to 65 for the freestyle distances (50 m to 1.500 m) over a period of five years (season 2005/2006 to 2010/2011).
Results: The decade between 40 and 50 seems to be the critical decade for female and male German competitive Masters swimmers regarding the development of performance in sprints and at the long distance (increase in time of 5 % within 10 years). Here, the long distance (1.500 m) reveals the highest percentage drop in performance for both sexes in the 20 - 65 age bracket. The results after the HI(I)T-intervention revealed nearly significant improvements in time in one out of four sprint tests. The performance at competitions could be improved for the most part (more than 60 % of improvements). In the overall group and in the analysis of the subgroup of the swimmers older than 50, there were significant increases in OS from the basal value to the value after exercise before HI(I)T. Furthermore there were significant increase of the basal value in the overall group and the subgroup of men. Separately analysed there were no significant modifications of the OS-values for women and swimmers under 50.
Discussion: The reactions on the formation of OS at Masters swimmers on HI(I)T is different depending on the sex and also the age. With regard to the effects of OS which are still unclear and also regarding the aspect of health prophylaxis the findings should be considered when performing HI(I)T and be investigated more specifically and intensively. Nevertheless HI(I)T can efficiently be used as an alternative method of training for older swimmers. Above all against the background of a drop in physical performance apparent in swimming at the age between 40 and 50 and a gradual decrease in performance, HI(I)T may create a new training stimulus.




Original languageGerman
Place of PublicationKöln
PublisherDeutsche Sporthochschule Köln
Number of pages60
Publication statusPublished - 2017

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