Journal article
A Novel Method to Characterize the Pacing Profile of Elite Male 1500-m Freestyle Swimmers
International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, Vol.16(6), pp.818-824
2021
Abstract
Purpose: Pacing, or the distribution of energy expenditure, is particularly important in swimming; however, there is limited research examining pacing profiles in long-distance freestyle events. This study aimed to characterize the pacing profiles of elite male 1500-m freestyle swimmers using a novel method to provide a detailed analysis of different race segments. Methods: The race data for 327 male 1500-m freestyle long-course races between 2010 and 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. The raw 50-m split times for each lap were converted to a percentage of overall race time. The races were classified as a fast-, average-, or slow-start strategy (laps 1–2); as an even, negative, or positive pacing strategy (laps 3–28); and as a fast-, average-, or slow-finish strategy (laps 29–30) to give an overall pacing profile. Results: Slow- and average-start strategies were associated with faster overall 1500-m times than a fast-start strategy (mean = −21.2 s; 90% confidence interval, −11.4 to −32.3 s, P = .00). An even pacing strategy in laps 3 to 28 yielded faster overall 1500-m times than a positive pacing strategy (−8.4 s, −3.9 to −13.0 s, P = .00). The overall 1500-m times did not differ substantially across the finish strategies (P = .99). The start strategy differed across age groups and nationalities, where younger swimmers and swimmers from Australia and Great Britain typically spent a lower percentage of race time in laps 1 to 2 (faster start strategy; −0.10%, −0.01% to −0.23%, P ≤ .02). Conclusion: Adopting a relatively slower start strategy helps conserve energy for the latter stages of a 1500-m freestyle race.
Details
- Title
- A Novel Method to Characterize the Pacing Profile of Elite Male 1500-m Freestyle Swimmers
- Authors
- Kate McGibbon (Author) - University of CanberraDavid B Pyne (Author) - University of CanberraLaine Heidenreich (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health and Sport Sciences - LegacyRobin Pla (Author) - Institut National du Sport, de l'Expertise et de la Performance
- Publication details
- International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, Vol.16(6), pp.818-824
- Publisher
- Human Kinetics, Inc.
- DOI
- 10.1123/ijspp.2020-0375
- ISSN
- 1555-0273
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99495708202621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- Physiology
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