Maximal Mechanical Power during a Taper in Elite Swimmers.

The article cites the study which found that swimming performance correlates to both power and torque and fluctuations in neuromuscular function in athletes during taper is lacking. The study focuses on time course of changes in maximal mechanical power (Pmax), torque at power maximum (T), velocity at power maximum (V) and performance of 24 male swimmers during a taper. Arm ergometer with inertial loading were attached to the subjects one week before taper, during the second and third week and during the peek of competition. Results showed that biphasic response was common among individual swimmers. In conclusion, maximal arm power measured using inertial load ergometry increased largely in first and third week after training volume was tapered for peek swimming performance.