THE INFLUENCE OF ELECTRICAL STIMULATION TRAINING ON SWIMMING PERFORMANCES

Abstract

This study aims to examine the influence of a three-week cycle o f electrostimulation of the latissimus dorsi on strength development and 'swimming performance in a group of 14 regional and national standard sprint swimmers. The subjects are divided into two groups : the control group (23.1 * 1.9 years; 178.1 * 4.8 cm; 75.1 * 7.2 kg) training only in the pool, while the study group (23.1 k 1.9 years; 179.8 * 4.8 cm; 72.8 * 6 kg) undergoes electrostimulation sessions in addition to swimming training. The sessions are carried out using a portable stimulator, Pulse duration is 300 1s at a frequency of 80 hertz. Electrostimulation is carried out at three sessions per week for three weeks. A Biodex type (Biodex Corporation, Shirley, NY,'USA) isokinetic ergometer is used to measure the maximum torque values developed over the! arm flexionextension movement at different velocities (-60, 0, 60, 120, 240, 300, 360'1s). Further special tests in the pool (25 metres arms only, 25 and 50 metres full movement) are carried out. At the end of training, the results for electrostimulated swimmers show an improvement in peak torque isometrically (p < 0.05), concentrically at velocities of 180Vs, 300°1s, 360"s (p < 0.05) and eccentrically at 60'1s (p < 0.05). A gain in swimming time for study subjects is recorded for the 25 metres arms only (1 9 hundredths of a second, p < 0.05) and for 50 metres full movement (38 hundredths, p < 0.05). The control group shows no significant difference.