Significance of the contribution of aerobic and anaerobic components to several distance running performances in female athletes

To assess the most important determinant for successful distance running (800 m, 1500 m and 3000 m events) in female athletes, measurements of several anaerobic indices were made (peak power, mean power) using the Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT), and aerobic indices such as oxygen uptake (VO2) or running velocity (v) at lactate threshold (LT), VO2 or v at onset of blood lactate accumulation (OBLA), running economy (RE), and maximal oxygen uptake were determined using the incremental treadmill test. The RE was represented by a VO2 value measured at 240 m.min-1 of a standard treadmill velocity. A stepwise multiple regression analysis (SAS stepwise procedure) combined the best features of forward inclusion and backward elimination to determine the most important factors in predicting the performance of running these distances as dependent variables. The stepwise procedure showed that the blood lactate variables such as LT and/or OBLA are highly correlated with, and contributed to predicting performance running 800 m-3000 m, whereas the anaerobic component was related only to running 800 m. In conclusion, blood lactate variables account for a large part of the variation in distance running performance in female as in male runners. The component of the anaerobic system which can be measured by the WAnT was shown to contribute to performance in running 800 m, but not in longer distances.     

From Oxford to Hawaii ecophysiological barriers limit human progression in ten sport monuments

In order to understand the determinants and trends of human performance evolution, we analyzed ten outdoor events among the oldest and most popular in sports history. Best performances of the Oxford-Cambridge boat race (since 1836), the channel crossing in swimming (1875), the hour cycling record (1893), the Elfstedentocht speed skating race (1909), the cross country ski Vasaloppet (1922), the speed ski record (1930), the Streif down-hill in Kitzbühel (1947), the eastward and westward sailing transatlantic records (1960) and the triathlon Hawaii ironman (1978) all follow a similar evolutive pattern, best described through a piecewise exponential decaying model (r(2) = 0.95+/-0.07). The oldest events present highest progression curvature during their early phase. Performance asymptotic limits predicted from the model may be achieved in fourty years (2049+/-32 y). Prolonged progression may be anticipated in disciplines which further rely on technology such as sailing and cycling. Human progression in outdoor sports tends to asymptotic limits depending on physiological and environmental parameters and may temporarily benefit from further technological progresses.     

Monitoring active site alterations upon mutation of yeast pyruvate kinase using 205Tl+ NMR

The interaction of the monovalent cation with wild type (WT) yeast pyruvate kinase (YPK) and with the T298S, T298C, and T298A mutants was investigated by 205Tl+ NMR to monitor possible structural alterations at the active site by Thr-298 mutation. TlNO3 activates WT YPK with a kcat value similar to that obtained with KCl and an apparent Ka of 0.96 +/- 0.07 mm in the presence of Mn2+ and fructose 1,6-bisphosphate. With the three mutants, Tl+ is a better activator than is K+ based on kcat values. Tl+ activation and inhibition of YPK is affected by mutation of the active site Thr-298. The effect of Mn2+ on the 1/T value of 205Tl+1 in the presence of the WT and mutant YPK complexes was determined at 173 MHz (300 MHz, 1H) and 346 MHz (600 MHz, 1H). For each complex studied, 1/pT2p > 1/pT1p and 1/pT1p is frequency-dependent suggesting fast exchange conditions. The values of 1/pT1p differ for each mutant. A correlation time of 0.65 +/- 0.35 ns was estimated for the Mn2+-205Tl+ interaction. The Tl+-Mn2+ distances at the active site of YPK were calculated from the paramagnetic contribution of Mn2+ to 1/T1M of YPK-bound 205Tl+. The calculated Tl+-Mn2+ distance for the Thr-298 mutants is decreased by about 1 A from 6.0 +/- 0.2 A observed with WT. The results suggest conformational alterations at the active site of YPK where phosphoryl transfer occurs upon mutation of Thr-298. These conformational changes may, in part, explain the alteration in kcat and kcat/Km,PEP observed with the Thr-298 mutants.     

Topographical relationships between the monovalent and divalent cation binding sites of des-1-41-light chain bovine plasma protein C and des-1-41-light chain-activated bovine plasma protein C

The paramagnetic effect of Mn2+ on the longitudinal relaxation rate (T1)-1 of 205Tl+, when both cations are bound to des-1-41-light chain bovine plasma protein C (GDPC) and its activation product, des-1-41-light chain-activated bovine plasma protein C (GDAPC), has been assessed by 205Tl+ NMR spectroscopy. A substantial shortening of the T1 for Tl+ bound to either protein was observed in the presence of Mn2+, an effect not noted upon substitution of Mn2+ with the diamagnetic cation Ca2+, which is known to bind to these proteins in a similar fashion to Mn2+. This paramagnetic effect was employed to estimate distances between the monovalent and divalent cation sites in these proteins, approximately 6.7 +/- 0.2 A with GDPC and 8.3 +/- 0.2 A in GDAPC. These data suggest that a conformational alteration occurs upon activation of GDPC which leads to an increase in the distance between the monovalent and divalent cation sites.     

Conformation of an enzyme-bound substrate of staphylococcal nuclease as determined by NMR.

The dinucleoside phosphodiester dTdA is a slow substrate of staphylococcal nuclease (kcat = 3.8 X 10(-3) s-1) that forms binary E-S and ternary E-M-S complexes with Ca2+, Mn2+, Co2+, and La3+. The enzyme enhances the paramagnetic effects of Co2+ on 1/T1 and 1/T2 of the phosphorus and on 1/T1 of six proton resonances of dTdA, and these effects are abolished by binding of the competitive inhibitor 3',5'-pdTp. From paramagnetic effects of Co2+ on 1/T2 of phosphorus, koff of dTdA from the ternary E-Co(2+)-dTdA complex is greater than or equal to 4.8 X 10(4) s-1 and kon greater than or equal to 1.4 X 10(6) M-1 s-1, indicating the 1/T1 values to be in fast exchange. From paramagnetic effects of enzyme-bound Co2+ on 1/T1 of phosphorus and protons, with use of a correlation time of 1.6 ps on the basis of 1/T1 values at 250 and 600 MHz, 7 metal-nucleus distances and 9 lower-limit metal-nucleus distances are calculated. The long Co2+ to 31P distance of 4.1 +/- 0.9 A, which is intermediate between that expected for direct phosphoryl coordination (3.31 +/- 0.02 A) and a second sphere complex with an intervening water ligand (4.75 +/- 0.02 A), suggests either a distorted inner sphere complex or the rapid averaging of 18% inner sphere and 82% second sphere complexes and may explain the reduced catalytic activity with small dinucleotide substrates. Seventeen interproton distances and 108 lower limit interproton distances in dTdA in the ternary E-La(3+)-dTdA complex were determined by NOESY spectra at 50-, 100-, and 200-ms mixing times. While metal-substrate and interproton distances alone did not yield a unique structure, the combination of both sets of distances yielded a very narrow range of conformations for enzyme-bound dTdA, which was highly extended, with no base stacking, with high-anti glycosidic torsional angles for dT (64 degrees less than or equal to chi less than or equal to 73 degrees) and dA (66 degrees less than or equal to chi less than or equal to 68 degrees) and predominantly C-2'-endo sugar puckers for both nucleosides. Although the individual nucleosides are like those of B-DNA, their unstacked conformation, which is inappropriate for base pairing, as well as the conformational angles alpha and gamma of dA and zeta of dT, rule out B-DNA.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Active drag related to velocity in male and female swimmers

Propulsive arm forces of 32 male and 9 female swimmers were measured during front crawl swimming using arms only, in a velocity range between 1.0 m s-1 and 1.8 m s-1. At constant velocity, the measured mean propulsive force Fp equals the mean active drag force (Fd). It was found that Fd is related to the swimming velocity v raised to the power 2.12 +/- 0.20 (males) or 2.28 +/- 0.35 (females). Although many subjects showed rather constant values of Fd/v2, 12 subjects gave significantly (p less than 0.01) stronger or weaker quadratic relationships. Differences in drag force and coefficient of drag between males and females (drag: 28.9 +/- 5.1 N, 20.4 +/- 1.9 N, drag coefficient: 0.64 +/- 0.09, 0.54 +/- 0.07 respectively) are especially apparent at the lowest swimming velocity (1 m s-1), which become less at higher swimming velocities. Possible explanations for the deviation of the power of the velocity from the ideal quadratic dependency are discussed.     

A comparison of VO2max and metabolic variables between treadmill running and treadmill skating

The purpose of this study was to determine differences in VO2max and metabolic variables between treadmill running and treadmill skating. This study also examined VO2max responses during a continuous skating treadmill protocol and a discontinuous skating treadmill protocol. Sixteen male high school hockey players, who had a mean age of 16 +/- 1 years and were of an above-average fitness level, participated in this study. All subjects completed 4 exercise trials: a 1-hour skating treadmill familiarization trial, a treadmill running trial, and 2 randomized skating treadmill trials. Minute ventilation (VE), oxygen consumption VO2), carbon dioxide production VCO2), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and heart rate were averaged every 15 seconds up to VO2max for each exercise test. The results showed that there was a significant difference (P < 0.05) for VO2max (mL.kg.min) and maximal VCO2 (L.min) between the running treadmill protocol and discontinuous skating treadmill protocol. There was also a significant difference for maximal RER between the discontinuous and continuous skating treadmill protocol and between the discontinuous skating treadmill protocol and running treadmill protocol. In conclusion, the running treadmill elicited a greater VO2max (mL.kg.min) than the skating treadmill did, but when it comes to specificity of ice skating, the skating treadmill may be ideal. Also, there was no significant difference between the discontinuous and continuous skating treadmill protocols. Therefore, a continuous protocol is possible on the skating treadmill without compromising correct skating position and physiologic responses. However, the continuous skating treadmill protocol should undergo validation before other scientists, coaches, and strength and conditioning professionals can apply it correctly.     

Gender and performance in athletics

Abstract

A comparison of women's and men's performance in swimming, running, and skating is made based on available world record data. The ratio of women's to men's record times is analyzed as a time series, and the asymptotic value of this ratio is discussed in the context of a model. “Rate of improvement curves” are defined over time and by event in a given sport and are compared across gender. The relationship of record time to event distance is estimated and also analyzed across event and gender boundaries. We make three conclusions: 1. The rate of improvement for women has been extraordinary and is larger for longer distance vents. 2. Law‐like relations emerge for record times and event lengths. These relations have interesting physical interpretations when examined for various sports. 3. The male physiology is more suited to anaerobic strength events while, given increased access and participation, women can be expected to be more on a par with men in some long‐distance aerobic events.     

Physiological analysis of running performance: revision of the hyperbolic model

1 This paper presents a physiological model for the analysis of the "running curve" (i.e. the relationship between running time and power output) (Table I and Fig. 1). This model is derived from the basic hyperbolic model (Eq. 2: Fig. 2 a) modified in order to take into account the slow adjustment of oxygen utilization and of glycolysis at the onset of exercise (Eq. 7) and the progressive reduction of average aerobic power sustained with increasing running time for races lasting longer than 7 min (Eq. 10; Fig. 2 b, 2 d). 2 This model provides a satisfactory smoothing of the running curve from 200 m to marathon. Average errors (in absolute value) between actual and estimated power output are 0.9 +/- 0.2% (+/- SE) and 1.3 +/- 0.4% for male and female world records respectively (Table II). The basic hyperbolic model (Ptc = A/tc + B) provides a satisfactory smoothing of the running curve on comparatively narrow ranges of events (Table III). 3 Estimations of anaerobic energy stores and of VO2 max made for male and female from world records (1,219 J.kg-1 and 76.4 ml.kg-1.min-1; 1,118 J.kg-1 and 67.8 ml.kg-1.min-1 respectively) are in reasonable agreement with expected values in elite runners (Table IV). 4 The model allows the computation of an objective measure of endurance, i.e. the so-called "ability to sustain a high percentage of VO2 max for a long period of time".(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

The energetics of middle-distance running

In order to assess the relative contribution of aerobic processes to running velocity (v), 27 male athletes were selected on the basis of their middle-distance performances over 800, 1500, 3000 or 5000 m, during the 1987 track season. To be selected for study, the average running velocity (v) corresponding to their performances had to be superior to 90% of the best French v of the season. Maximum O2 consumption (VO2max) and energy cost of running (C) had been measured within the 2 months preceding the track season, which, together with oxygen consumption at rest (VO2rest) allowed us to calculate the maximal v that could be sustained under aerobic conditions: vamax = (VO2max - VO2rest) x C-1. The treadmill running v corresponding to a blood lactate of 4 mmol.l-1 (vla4), was also calculated. In the whole group, C was significantly related to height (r = -0.43; P less than 0.03). Neither C nor VO2max (with, in this case, the exception of the 3000 m athletes) were correlated to v. On the other hand, vamax was significantly correlated to v over distances longer than 800 m. These v were also correlated to vla4. However vla4 occurred at 87.5% SD 3.3% of vamax, this relationship was interpreted as being an expression of the correlation between vamax and v. Calculation of vamax provided a useful means of analysing the performances. At the level of achievement studied, v sustained over 3000 m corresponded to vamax.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Variations in heart rate at blood lactate threshold due to exercise mode in elite cross-country skiers

This study attempted to quantify the difference in heart rate and exercise stage at which blood lactate threshold (T(bla)) occurs using 3 different modes of exercise: running, double poling (DP) on roller skis, and skating (SK) on roller skis. Nine elite collegiate cross-country ski racers (4 men, 5 women) served as test subjects. Testing was conducted on a motorized FitNex treadmill, specially designed for roller skiing. Heart rate was monitored via telemetry with values averaged over the last 30 seconds of each stage. A 40-micro l blood sample was obtained at the fingertip at the end of each 4-minute stage, and 25 micro l was analyzed for whole blood lactate concentration. The T(bla) was determined by the first exercise stage that elicited a concentration over 4.0 mmol.L(-1). The same test protocol was used for all 3 exercise modes. Mean heart rate, in beats per minute (b.min(-1)), at T(bla) was not significantly different (P < or = 0.05) for SK (mean 187 +/- 14 b.min(-1) SD) vs. running (mean 187 +/- 12 b.min(-1) SD); however, heart rate was significantly lower at T(bla) for DP (mean 161 +/- 17 b.min(-1) SD) vs. running and DP vs. SK. The mean exercise protocol stage that induced a blood lactate value which exceeded T(bla) was significantly different (P < or = 0.05) for running (5.22 +/- 1.20 mmol.L(-1) SD) vs. DP (1.89 +/- 0.78 mmol.L(-1) SD), running vs. SK (3.67 +/- 0.71 mmol.L(-1) SD), and SK vs. DP. It was concluded that T(bla) occurs at a lower heart rate and exercise stage during DP as compared with SK or running. Therefore, it stands to reason that the heart rate at T(bla) may vary based on mode of exercise, and when using heart rate to estimate blood lactate concentration, coaches and athletes should be aware that different modes of exercise elicit a different blood lactate concentration at a given heart rate depending on exercise mode used.     

Embryo production and quality of Holstein heifers and cows supplemented with beta-carotene and tocopherol

The hypothesis was that the intramuscular injection (i.m.) of beta-carotene associated to tocopherol improves cow (n=86) and heifer (n=91) embryo production and quality. Time of estrus was synchronized in animals with an ear implant with 3 mg of norgestomet associated with an i.m. injection of 6 mg of norgestomet and 10mg of estradiol valerate (CRESTAR, Intervert International B.V., Boxmeer, Holland) and superovulated by 8 i.m. FSH/LHp injections (400 IU-heifers and 500 IU-cows) in decreasing concentrations at 12h intervals. Animals were inseminated 12 and 24h after observed onset of estrus and embryos recovered 7 days later. Animals were randomly allocated to one of three treatments: (1) vegetable oil vehicle (control), (2) 800 mg of beta-carotene and 500 mg of tocopherol (T800) and (3) 1200 mg of beta-carotene and 750 mg of tocopherol (T1200). Supplemental injections were given at the day norgestomet implants were inserted and at first superovulatory injection. An index (Embryo Quality Index or EQI) was proposed to more precisely evaluate embryo quality (excellent*1 + good*2 + regular*3 + poor*4 + degenerate*5 + unfertilized ova*5)/total. There was an interaction between physiological stage (heifer or cow) and treatment on EQI (P=0.01) and on the proportion of viable embryos (P=0.03), where both variables were improved in T1200 cows, but not in heifers. The average EQI for heifers and cows in control, T800 and T1200 were 2.6+/-0.3 and 3.6+/-0.3; 2.5+/-0.3 and 3.6+/-0.3; 2.9+/-0.3 and 2.7+/-0.3, respectively. The average total number of viable embryos was greater (P=0.01) in supplemented cows (3.5+/-1.1; 5.4+/-1.4 and 7.5+/-1.2 in control, T800 and T1200, respectively), but less (P=0.01) in heifers (7.5+/-1.2; 5.6+/-1.2 and 4.0+/-1.1 in control, T800 and T1200, respectively). Supplementation injections of beta-carotene associated to tocopherol improved embryo quality in superovulated Holstein cows, in the present experimental conditions and may be advantageous in similar embryo production systems. However, at dosages applied in the present experiment, this treatment should not be recommended for nulliparous heifers.     

Effects of diving and swimming behavior on body temperatures of pacific leatherback turtles in tropical seas

Mathematical models and recordings of cloacal temperature suggest that leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) maintain core body temperature higher than ambient water temperature (T(W)) while freely swimming at sea. We investigated the thermoregulatory capabilities of free-ranging leatherbacks and, specifically, the effect that changes in diving patterns and ambient temperatures have on leatherback body temperatures (T(B)). Data loggers were used to record subcarapace and gastrointestinal tract temperatures (T(SC) and T(GT), respectively), T(W), swim speed, dive depth, and dive times of female leatherback turtles during internesting intervals off the coast of Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Mean T(SC) (28.7 degrees -29.0 degrees C) was significantly higher than mean T(W) (25.0 degrees -27.5 degrees C). There was a significant positive relationship between T(SC) and T(W) and a significant negative correlation between T(SC) and dive depth and T(GT) and dive depth. Rapid fluctuations in T(GT) occurred during the first several days of the internesting interval, which suggests that turtles were ingesting prey or water during this time. Turtles spent 79%-91% of the time at sea swimming at speeds greater than 0.2 m s(-1), and the average swim speed was 0.7 +/- 0.2 m s(-1). Results from this study show that alterations in diving behavior and T(W) affect T(B) of leatherback turtles in the tropics. Body temperatures of free-ranging leatherback turtles correspond well with values for T(B) predicted by mathematical models for tropical conditions.     

Positive inotropic and relaxant effects of papaverine on cat papillary muscle

The effects of papaverine and isoproterenol on the isometric twitch and high KCl-induced contractures were compared in papillary muscles from reserpinized cats. Papaverine (10(-5) M) significantly increased developed tension (T), maximal rate of rise of tension (+dT/dt max) and maximal velocity of relaxation (--dT/dt max) in 52.3 +/- 6.1, 74.1 +/- 6.7 and 82.1 +/- 12.1% respectively with respect to control values. Time to peak tension (TTP) and contracture tension decreased in 9.1 +/- 2.0% and 50.9 +/- 5.6% respectively with respect to controls (P less than 0.05). Isoproterenol in a dose (8 X 10(-10) M), that produced an increase in +dT/dt max non significantly different to the one elicited by papaverine (65.6 +/- 9.0%), increased (in % with respect to control values), T in 55.3 +/- 7.3, --dT/mx in 73.8 +/- 13.1 and decreased TTP in 6.6 +/- 1.1 and contracture tension in 40.7 +/- 6.3 (P less than 0.05). The effects of isoproterenol on all the parameters studied were not statistically different from the ones of papaverine. It is concluded that in cat papillary muscles, papaverine has a positive inotropic action and an isoproterenol-like relaxant effect.     

Physiological and biomechanical comparison of roller skating and speed skating on ice

Eight well trained marathon skaters performed all-out exercise tests during speed skating on ice and roller skating. To compare these skating activities in relation to the concept of training specificity, relevant physiological (VO2, VE, RER and heart rate) and biomechanical variables (derived from film and video analysis) were measured. There were no significant differences between oxygen uptake (50.5 +/- 8.0 and 53.3 +/- 6.7 ml.min-1.kg-1), ventilation (102.4 +/- 11.2 and 116.0 +/- 11.1 1.min-1) or heart rate (174 +/- 12.2 and 176 +/- 14.5 min-1) between speed and roller skating. In roller skating a higher RER (1.16 +/- 0.1 cf. 1.05 +/- 0.1) was found. Power, work per stroke and stroke frequency were equal. Due to a higher coefficient of friction the maximal roller skating speed was lower. The effectiveness of push-off and parameters concerning the skating techniques showed no differences. In roller skating a 7.5% higher angle of the upper leg in the gliding phase occurred. It is speculated that the blood flow through the extensor muscles might be higher in roller skating. It is concluded that roller skating can be considered as a specific training method which may be used by trained speed skaters in the summer period.     

Effects of treadmill running and swimming on plasma and brain vasopressin levels in rats

The influence of treadmill or swimming exercise on resting values of plasma and brain arginine vasopressin (AVP), and plasma sodium, potassium, osmolality and proteins was studied after 5 weeks of training using female Wistar rats. The duration of daily training sessions was progressively increased to reach 6 h/day for swim training (S) and 3 h/day for treadmill running (T). Compared to their untrained controls, treadmill and swim training were respectively associated with: a significant lower body weight; a decreased plasma AVP (36.4% for T and 47.4% for S) and hypothalamic AVP (20% for T and 16% for S); a higher hypophyseal AVP (145% for T and 36.3 for S); a decreased plasma osmolality (6.7% for T and 6.1% for S), sodium (1.2% for both) and potassium (15% for T and 22.4% for S); and no change in protein concentration. For T, rectal temperature increased (38.5 +/- 0.20 to 39.7 +/- 0.5) and for S rectal temperature decreased from 38.6 +/- 0.12 to 37.74 +/- 0.10). The differences observed in AVP contents of the pineal and Harderian glands (enhanced only in the treadmill groups) could be explained by the supposed role of these glands in thermoregulation. Two conclusions could be drawn from this study: there are no parallel changes in the hypothalamo-hypophyseal system (where AVP plays its endocrine role) and the brain (where AVP is a neurotransmitter); plasma changes could be explained by an extracellular fluid expansion with Na and K loss leading to a decrease in AVP secretion.     

Microdialysis and the measurement of muscle interstitial K+ during rest and exercise in humans.

The purpose of this study was to examine whether microdialysis and the internal reference thallium-201 ((201)Tl) could accurately measure muscle interstitial K+ (Ki+) before, during, and after exercise. The relative loss of (201)Tl and simultaneous relative recovery of K+ were measured in vitro for 12 microdialysis probes that were bathed in Ringer acetate medium and perfused at various flows (3-10 microl/min). (201)Tl loss was linearly related to K+ recovery, and their level of agreement was not different from zero. Microdialysis and (201)Tl were then used to measure Ki+ in the gastrocnemius medialis muscle of four humans during rest and static plantar flexion exercise. At rest, Ki+ was 3.9-4.3 mmol/l when the perfusate flow was 2 or 5 microl/min. During exercise, Ki+ increased from 6.9 +/- 0.4 to 7.5 +/- 0.3 mmol/l at low to high intensity and declined to 5.2 +/- 0.3 mmol/l after exercise. These results suggest that large changes in Ki+ in human skeletal muscle can be accurately measured by using microdialysis and (201)Tl.     

Equilibrium binding constants for Tl+ with gramicidins A, B and C in a lysophosphatidylcholine environment determined by 205Tl nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) 205Tl spectroscopy has been used to monitor the binding of Tl+ to gramicidins A, B, and C packaged in aqueous dispersions of lysophosphatidylcholine. For 5 mM gramicidin dimer in the presence of 100 mM lysophosphatidylcholine, only approximately 50% or less of the gramicidin appears to be accessible to Tl+. Analysis of the 205Tl chemical shift as a function of Tl+ concentration over the 0.65-50 mM range indicates that only one Tl+ ion can be bound by gramicidin A, B, or C under these experimental conditions. In this system, the Tl+ equilibrium binding constant is 582 +/- 20 M-1 for gramicidin 1949 +/- 100 M-1 for gramicidin B, and 390 +/- 20 M-1 for gramicidin C. Gramicidin B not only binds Tl+ more strongly but it is also in a different conformational state than that of A and C, as shown by Circular Dichroism spectroscopy. The 205Tl NMR technique can now be extended to determinations of binding constants of other cations to gramicidin by competition studies using a 205Tl probe.     

Is it the athlete or the equipment? An analysis of the top swim performances from 1990 to 2010

O'Connor, LM and Vozenilek, JA. Is it the athlete or the equipment? An analysis of the top swim performances from 1990 to 2010. J Strength Cond Res 25(12): 3239-3241, 2011-Forty-three world record swims were recorded at the 2009 Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA) World Championship meet in Rome. Of the 20 FINA recognized long-course (50-m pool) swimming events, men set new world records in 15 of those events, whereas women did the same in 17 events. Each of the men's world records and 14 of the 17 women's records still stand. These performances were unprecedented; never before had these many world records been broken in such a short period of time. There was much speculation that full-body, polyurethane, technical swimsuits were the reason for the conspicuous improvement in world records. Further analysis led the FINA to institute new rules on January 1, 2010, that limited the types of technical swimsuits that could be worn by athletes. No long-course world record has been broken since then. We sought to understand this phenomenon by analyzing publicly available race data and exploring other possible causes including improvements in other sports, improvements in training science, changes in rules and regulations, gender differences, anaerobic vs. aerobic events, unique talent, and membership data.