Date: Friday, May 31st, 2024
Time: 12:45 – 14:30
Venue: Ampitheatre “G. Papadriellis”
Chair:
Helen Douda, Professor D.P.E.S.S., Democritus University of Thrace
edouda@phyed.duth.gr
Evangelos Albanidis, Professor D.P.E.S.S., Democritus University of Thrace
Speaker: Symeon Dagkas, Professor, Provost and Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic, St. Mary’s University, London, UK
Social Justice and Intersectionality in Sport, Physical Activity & Health Pedagogy: Creating Connections
Social justice education recognizes the discrepancies in opportunities, among disadvantaged groups in society. The presentation will provide a critical reflection on issues of social justice within sport, health and physical activity of Black and Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME) young people. It will also address the importance of intersectionality research in sport, physical activity and health pedagogy for social justice and further, to contextualise the complex intersection and interplay of social issues (i.e. race, ethnicity, social classes) and their influence in shaping agency towards sport and physical activity amongst young people with BAME background.
Speaker: Dr. Chatziefstathiou Dikaia, Director of the Sport, Human Rights & Safeguarding Research Group, Director of Research and Knowledge Exchange, School of Psychology and Life Sciences, Canterbury Christ Church University, Kent, United Kingdom
2030 Vision in Sport, Human Rights and Safeguarding
In 2021 I founded the Sport, Human Rights and Safeguarding Research Group, which I thought was much needed. The power of sport as a tool for health, education and social justice has long been recognised. However, there has been a rise of concern regarding athletes’ welfare following incidents of sexual harassment and abuse, disclosures of emotional harassment, physical abuse, neglect, bullying and microaggressions. As a result, in the past decade, significant global resource has been given to implement initiatives that safeguard athlete welfare and foster safer, ethical, and more positive sport environments. However, despite such efforts, there are key gaps that need urgently addressing. My research group is committed to address these gaps by conducting high quality, values-led research to improve health, wellbeing, and welfare for those working and participating in sport, especially of those characterised as ‘vulnerable’ (e.g., children, impaired, the Global South).
Speaker: Dr. Grammenou Maria, Lecturer, Coordinator of the PhD programme “Science and Health in Football”, Institute for Sport and Preventive Medicine, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany.
Precision training: unlocking the power of data-driven approaches
The presence of inter-individual variability in acute and chronic training responses among individuals is widely acknowledged within the scientific community. While the sources of this variability are yet to be fully understood the development of technologies and data science allows researchers and practitioners to make informed decisions. Data-driven approaches utilising real-time data analytics and biomarkers can potentially be used to fully understand the sources of variability and build predictive models of training adaptation. These methodologies can be particularly important for high-performance sport practitioners, as they can leverage the data to effectively manage fatigue and optimise training interventions, thereby enhancing athlete’s performance outcomes.
Speaker: Kalofonos Harris, Managing Director | Goodvoice Group
The Role of Sports Administrators in Advancing Sports Science and Community Development
Sports science remains pivotal in driving societal balanced growth, necessitating proactive leadership from sports administrators within their communities. They must champion good governance while fostering interdisciplinary collaboration among community stakeholders. Additionally, administrators must possess solid management acumen and understand the evolving role of technology in sports and community growth. By embodying these qualities, and staying constantly informed, administrators can ensure the continued advancement of sports science for societal benefit, delivering inclusive and impactful sports programs and infrastructure that optimize sports services and contribute to community development at a local and regional level.
Date: Friday, May 31st, 2024
Time: 15.15 – 16.15
Venue: Amphitheatre “G. Papadriellis”
Postgraduate Program: “Clinical Exercise and Applications of Technology in Health” of the Department of Physical Education and Sport of the School of Physical Education and Sport Science of Democritus University of Thrace in collaboration with the National Center for Science Research “DEMOKRITOS” – The Institute of Informatics and Telecommunications (IIT)
Chair:
Dimitris Kyriazanos, Senior Researcher, National Centre for Science Research “DEMOKRITOS”, Institute of Informatics and Telecommunications
Nikolaos Vernadakis, Professor, D.P.E.S.S. – DUTh
Speakers:
Artificial Intelligence in healthcare: applications and challenges
Anastasia Krithara, Post-Doc Researcher, National Centre for Science Research “DEMOKRITOS”, Institute of Informatics and Telecommunications
Artificial Intelligence: The next Champion
Alexandros Nousias, Research Associate, National Centre for Science Research “DEMOKRITOS”, Institute of Informatics and Telecommunications
Artificial Intelligence and Fair Play
Dimitrios Kyriazanos, Senior Researcher, National Centre for Science Research “DEMOKRITOS“, Institute of Informatics and Telecommunications
Abstract
Artificial Intelligence in healthcare: applications and challenges
Digital technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are transforming medicine, medical research, public health and other related fields. The use of AI technologies for health holds great promise and has already contributed to important advances in fields and can improve the delivery of health care, such as prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease. The use of AI for health nevertheless raises ethical, legal and social concerns, that should be adequately addressed.
Artificial Intelligence: The next Champion
From personalized training and diet, to scouting and recruiting, to player and team performance, to match predictions and betting, AI and Big Data analytics are pervasively entering the sports domain and changing the game. This talk discusses the necessary properties of such AI systems, their legal requirements and socio-ethical implications at the micro (individuals) and macro (groups and society at large) level.
Artificial Intelligence and Fair Play
Using AI and Machine Learning in sports and health applications is part of a wider ongoing digital transformation of our society. Algorithms support human decision making and thought process in matters affecting our body, skills development and lifestyle. The intervention scope covers aspects connected with data protection and quality, bias and fairness while investigating the key factors that will determine whether the algorithm will play fair.
Date: Friday, May 31st, 2024
Time: 17.45 – 19.00
Venue: Amphitheatre “G. Papadriellis”
Chair:
Almpanidis E., Professor, D.P.E.S.S. – DUTh
Speakers/Abstracts:
George Mavrotas, Secretary General of Sport, Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, Hellenic Republic
Sport Integrity as a Key Priority Of Sport Policy
Sports integrity has been at the top of the sports agenda internationally in recent years. The integrity of individuals, organizations and events in the sports ecosystem is intertwined with the beneficial, healthy face of sport that we all want to project. After all, sport without values cannot exist. Unfortunately, however, threats against sports integrity have intensified in recent years. Doping, manipulation of sport competitions, violence, harassment & abuse and mismanagement are the five identified threats that need to be addressed. In this presentation, I will address why it is vital for Greek (and not only) sports to stop these threats and how this can be done at an international and national level.
Demosthenes Tampakos, Olympic Gold & Silver Medalist, Lieutenant Colonel (A), MSc in School Physical Education
Structure and Organization of Greek Sports: The Need for a New Strategic Plan
The structure and organization of Greek sports involves the synergy and cooperation of many parts, social and scientific, national and international, always under the supreme supervision of the State. The purpose of the cooperation and synergy of these parts is to highlight the role of sport as a social good and a powerful means of promoting health, socialization, cultural expression, and of strengthening inclusion and unity and cultivating human values. In Greece, the number of children, adolescents and young people engaged in physical activity remains low. However, engaging in physical activity is the cornerstone of health promotion and primary prevention of noncommunicable chronic diseases. To date, various parts have implemented programs aimed, among other things, at promoting physical activity in different age categories (e.g., students, elderly people, etc.), but without having a central coordination and without considering the needs of vulnerable groups of the population. In addition, cases of poor governance have been identified. In competitive sport, cases of doping, match manipulation and various forms of violence are often observed. Educating all those involved in sport on human values, further education and substantial and continuous cooperation of all bodies and creation of a specific ten-year strategic planning, are prerequisites for re-establishing sport to its rightful place and role in society.
Branislav (Bane) Prelević, Former Basketball Player, Writer
The View of the Player, the Coach and the President in a Sport Club
At this round table, an alternative perspective on the field of the team sports will be presented. The approach initially concerns the role of the athlete, both at the beginning of his potential career, characterized by enthusiasm and love for the sport, setting goals and envisioning where he wants to be, as well as the changes along the way that later transform him into a professional. Additionally, emphasis will be given to the role that the coach is called upon to play within the framework of the sports club, specifically on the importance of the ability to manage different personalities, but also the team’s victory or defeat respectively. Furthermore, the responsibilities of the president who creates the team’s identify, cares for the business operation of the club, and enhances its communication with the media and fans will be mentioned.
Date: Saturday, June 1st, 2024
Time: 11.00 – 12.30
Venue: Amphitheatre “G. Papadriellis”
Coordinators:
Costa G., Professor, D.U.Th.
Speakers:
New innovative technologies in sports
Technology has permeated almost every aspect of sports ranging from how sports venues run, how athletes train, and how sports teams engage with their audience. The most popular tech trends and innovations in sports include performance analytics (made possible by AI and Big Data), the Internet of Things (IoT), crowd sentiment analysis, augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), eSports, and smart stadiums. Technology has become a force to be reckoned with and is everywhere, both on a professional and amateur scale. Startups will be focusing more on technologies like biometric authentication, face recognition, as well as ransomware prevention to mitigate existing and emerging threats. Identifying new opportunities & emerging technologies to implement into sport organizations goes a long way in gaining a competitive advantage.
A Facial Expression and Eye Tracking Analysis for Charity Advertising on Twitter: Effects of Emotional Appeals on Behavioral Responses
This study examines the effects of emotional appeals in charity advertisements on a NBA team’s Twitter platform, using a multi-method approach involving eye-tracking, facial expression analysis, and self-report surveys. It aims to understand the impact of positive versus negative appeals on viewer reactions and donation intentions, while also exploring how fan identification with the NBA team influences the effectiveness of these ads. A sample of 90 participants was exposed to fictitious Twitter pages featuring different types of charity appeals. Using the iMotions and Affectiva software, the study measured visual attention and emotional responses to these appeals. Results indicated that negative appeals evoked more sympathy and a greater likelihood of prosocial behaviors compared to positive appeals, though participants generally preferred postive appeals.
Operating systems in the use of sport
Technological equipment for measurements using biometric analysis in sport
The use of biometric analysis in sport is a developing technology that helps athletes improve their performance and reduce the risk of injury. The collection of biometric data in sport today is done with technological equipment that is divided into four main categories. Eye tracking devices, such as screen-based devices, eye tracking glasses, and VR/AR with eye tracking. Wireless electrophysiology sensor systems for EEG recording, use of EDA/GSR sensors, and finally use of sensors to record electrocardiographic data.
Sport Event Feasibility Study
Sports events promote sports tourism and are the main reason for visiting the host cities, with the result that the tourism of these cities is significantly enhanced. Also, their organization can lead to the expansion of the period of intense tourist attendance and therefore, bring economic benefits to the host city not only during the event but for a longer period of time. Therefore, the preparation of a feasibility study for the organization of sports events that provides research information on the area, additional interest groups, determination of short-term and long-term costs, expected economic benefits, financing mechanisms and overall costs as well as possible economic or cultural losses for the region, is an important source of information and can be used by organizers as a decision-making tool for the implementation of the sporting event, increasing the chances of success by identifying weaknesses from the outset.
Chair:
Olyvia Donti, Associate Professor
National Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Physical Education & Sport Science
Date: Saturday, June 1st, 2024
Time: 11.00 – 12.30
Venue: Small Ampitheatre
Round Table of the Hellenic Society of Biochemistry and Physiology of Exercise
Speakers:
Olyvia Donti, Associate Professor
School of Physical Education & Sport Science, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
The importance of flexibility for sports performance, recovery, and health
Stretching of human skeletal muscles is defined as a series of manipulations of joint positions aiming to increase muscle-tendon and tissue extensibility and maximize joint range of motion (ROM). Stretching may also reduce the risk of musculotendinous injury and contribute to rehabilitation following injury or disease. Furthermore, stretching is also used for recovery after intense exercise, to reduce pain and muscle soreness. During warm-up, static and dynamic stretching is recommended for increasing joint ROM and reducing muscle injuries, without negative effects on explosive performance, provided that stretching bouts are short (<45s) and/or followed by conditioning activities. Static stretching and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching are the most common forms of flexibility training employed during recovery and rehabilitation. Systematic flexibility training from a young age is most effective for increasing ROM and allowing strength and power to be generated throughout the full ROM. Recent research suggests that long-term stretching training can induce muscle and connective tissue regeneration as well as changes in muscle morphology associated with improved muscle contractile function. The acute and long-term benefits of flexibility training on muscle function support the use of stretching daily in young and older populations who wish to enhance performance and health parameters in sport and exercise.
Dimitrios A. Patikas, Professor
Laboratory of Neuromechanics, School of Physical Education and Sport Science at Serres, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
Neuromuscular aspects of muscle stretching
Although muscle stretching is seemingly a simple concept, it encompasses several inherently complex processes targeting the muscle-tendon complex (MTC), that involve – among others – functions of the neuromuscular system. This presentation will focus on the neuromuscular factors that affect the function of MTC, as well as how MTC interacts with the neuromuscular system. Such factors may result in adaptations after training, during the developmental age and in pathological cases, as the neuromuscular system plays a certain role during every day and athletic movements that involve stretching. One essential neuromuscular element during muscle stretching is the stretch reflex, which plays an important role in regulating actively joint stiffness, in synergy with the passive elastic elements of the MTC. During the presentation, information will be shared regarding the efficiency of the MTC under the scope of concurrent muscle activation, when the stretch-shortening cycle takes place, and how this affects the adaptations which occur after training or during development. Finally, the adaptations of MTC that occur under pathological conditions will be highlighted, through the prism of chronic increased muscle tone (e.g., spasticity) or under conditions that the sensory inflow regarding muscle stretching is temporarily distorted (e.g., tendon vibration).
Ioli Panidi, PhD Candidate
School of Physical Education and Sport Science, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
Morphological adaptations in response to long-term stretching
Skeletal muscle tissue remodels its structure in response to mechanical loading and growth. Mechanical loading triggers molecular and structural changes that reprogram metabolism and modify the physiological and contractile properties of muscle fibers. Muscle stretching may be considered as a form of mechanical loading, that induces changes in muscle structure. Macroscopically, muscle structure can be described by quantifying its architectural parameters, namely fascicle length and angle, muscle thickness, and anatomical cross-sectional area that reflect fiber arrangement into the connective tissue. Recent research has shown that long-term static stretching may trigger mechanotransduction signaling pathways associated with changes in muscle architecture. More specifically, high volumes of static stretching and high stretching intensities are necessary to induce small increases in fascicle length at rest and during stretching and in muscle thickness, while fascicle angle remains unaffected by static stretching. Increased fascicle length may shift the optimal muscle length for force production and may widen the entire force–length relationship. During growth, in addition to the mechanical loading of the increasing bone length and body mass, maturation induces changes in muscle fiber and the surrounding connective tissue. Muscular connective tissue has a potential role in
force transmission and proprioception, and allows fascicular growth in length and diameter, with the latter contributing most to muscle geometry changes.
Date: Saturday, 01 June, 2024
Time: 13.00 – 14.30
Venue: Ampitheatre “G. Papadriellis”
With the scientific support of:
– the Orthopedic Research and Education Center “P.N. Soukakos”, P.G. Hospital “Attikon”
– Sports Excellence – Regeneration and Progress -Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF)
Chair:
Panagiotis Koulouvaris, Associate Professor, 1st Orthopaedic Surgery Clinic of Medical School of National Kapodistrian University of Athens
Savvas Tokmakidis, Emeritus Professor of Exercise Physiology, D.P.E.S.S., Democritus University of Thrace
Speakers:
Role of Exercise in Oncology
Christos E. Zois, Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace,
Aerobic or resistance exercise? What to choose?
Charilaos Tsolakis, Professor, DPESS, NKUA
The impact of exercise on mental health in patients with cancer
Flora Papitsi, PhD Candidate in Sport and Exercise Psychology, University of Portsmouth, Administration Manager Sports Excellence
Action for Cancer: Precision exercise therapy programs for every cancer patient
Apostolis Skouras, Laboratory Director Sports Excellence
Acute responses of exercise in cancer patients
Ilkka Heinonen, Academy Research Fellow, Turku PET Centre, Department of Clinical Medicine
Abstract
Exercise in oncology is now recognized as an emerging sub-discipline of oncology research and practice. Exercise has now been established as a means of treatment as well as prevention in many chronic diseases, e.g. coronary heart disease, heart failure, obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis, etc. In the last 20 years with over 200 studies examining the role of exercise in oncology patients with solid and hematological cancers, exercise is now established as a means of cancer prevention and treatment.
Date: Saturday, June 1st, 2024
Time: 15.00 -16.30
Venue: Aphitheatre “G. Papadriellis”
Postgraduate Program: “Clinical Exercise and Applications of Technology in Health”
of the Department of Physical Education and Sport of the School of Physical Education and Sport
Science of Democritus University of Thrace in collaboration with the National Center for Science
Research “DEMOKRITOS”- The Institute of Informatics and Telecommunications (IIT)
Chair:
Helen Douda, Professor, D.P.E.S.S., Democritus University of Thrace
Director of the Inter-institutional Postgraduate Program: “Clinical Exercise and Applications of Technology in Health”
Paschalis Kirialanis, Associate Professor, D.P.E.S.S., Democritus University of Thrace
Speakers:
Training load and injury in women’s Artistic Gymnastics: Causes and future directions
Anastasia Donti, Special Teaching Staff, School of Physical Education and Sport Science, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece, Coach / Hellenic Gymnastics Federation, International Gymnastics Federation Judge / International Gymnastics Federation
Long-term planning for physical fitness development in women’s artistic gymnastics
Olyvia Donti, Associate Professor, School of Physical Education and Sport Science, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
International Gymnastics Federation Judge / International Gymnastics Federation
The Gymnastics Coach Today: A multifaceted task
Dimosthenis Tampakos, Olympic Gold and Silver Medalist, Lieutenant Colonel (A), MSc in School Physical Education, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Abstract
Training load and injury in women’s Artistic Gymnastics: Causes and future directions
A high injury rate is reported in Women’s Artistic Gymnastics, from a young age. Gymnasts aged 10–12 and 13–17 years have an increased risk of injury compared with younger or older gymnasts. The most common injuries observed are acute (65%) while approximately 35% are chronic injuries. Lower limb injuries are the most prevalent acute injuries, followed by upper limb and spinal injuries. The symptoms of chronic injuries (usually overuse injuries) develop gradually over time, heal quickly in children but may appear later in future, affecting athletes’ health and performance. Injury risk nature is multifactorial, and often the causes between acute and chronic injuries are different. This presentation will focus on high training load, insufficient time for recovery and biological adaptations, and high competition stress, which combined with the scoring requirements of the sport, increase injury risk, and especially at developmental ages. Finally, training approaches will be proposed to minimize the risk of injury and create optimal conditions for the long-term preparation of female athletes.
Long-term planning for physical fitness development in women’s artistic gymnastics
Complex technical skills performed by gymnasts during flight require a high level of physical fitness from a very young age. The physical abilities that are important for performance in gymnastics are neuromuscular power, strength, flexibility, speed, coordination, and the contribution of energy systems. The development of these physical qualities in children and adolescents is non-linear due to the interactions of growth, maturation, and training load. However, it is often observed that young female athletes are subjected to training loads designed for adults, while they have insufficient physical fitness, incorrect motor patterns, lack of long-term adaptations or follow excessive or too specific training to develop physical skills. The biological, psychological, and social changes that occur during growth and maturation demand the long-term design of targeted and appropriately tailored fitness programs. These programs should aim to develop all physical parameters using different training methods, to reduce injury risk, to keep and systematically involve children and adolescents in organized sport and to encourage them to adopt a physically active lifestyle later in adulthood.
The Gymnastics Coach Today: A multifaceted task
The evolution of Artistic Gymnastics due to the synergy of various scientific fields that support training, and the improvement of the apparatus and sports equipment, leads the sport to a higher level and constantly creates higher demands for the athletes. At the same time, the evolution of society and modern reality require new approaches to the coach-athlete relationship, the perception of competition, victory and defeat and a more holistic approach that links the athlete’s athletic career with the athlete’s life inside and outside of sports, both during and at the end of his competitive career. Therefore, new strategies of communication between coach and athlete, more time for discussion, acceptance, understanding and empathy, and control of the pressures that both, athlete, and coach are under, are important, in order for the relationship to satisfy both parties. Both, high competitive and training demands as well as the communication requirements are important reasons for continuous coaches education on technical – tactical etc. issues but also on behavioral issues and values education.
Date: Saturday, June 1st, 2024
Time: 17.00 – 18.30
Venue: Small Amphitheatre
In collaboration with AP Sports Law.
Chair:
Achilleas Mavromatis, Legal Advisor of PAOK FC, CAS Arbitrator.
Speakers:
Dimitris Poulakidas, Sports Law Attorney, Law School Graduate of Democritus University of Thrace, MSc in Sports Event Management from the Department of Physical Education and Sport Science of Democritus University of Thrace.
Alkiviadis Papantoniou, Head of AP Sports Law, UEFA Pro Bono Counsel, Member of the FIBA Disciplinary Committee in the Anti-Doping Division.
Alexandros Nousias, Research Associate, National Center for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, Institute of Informatics and Telecommunications.
Vaios Gioras, Coach at ASAA Herodikos, International Wheelchair Basketball Player.
Vangelis Samios, Technical Director of the Panathinaikos FC Academy, UEFA A and UEFA Elite Youth Coach.
Description:
a. What is (and what is not) a sports coach according to international and national legal frameworks?
b. The professional coach and specific legal issues: Myths and realities.
c. Legal implications of applying Artificial Intelligence in coaching.
d. Coaches of athletes with disabilities: recognition of the legal framework and its shortcomings.
e. A professional coach advises future coaches on managing legal issues they have faced.
Date: Saturday, June 1st, 2024
Time: 17.00 – 18.30
Venue: Amphitheatre “G. Papadriellis”
Chair:
Gourgoulis Vassilios, Professor, D.P.E.S.S., Democritus University of Thrace
Toubekis Argyris, Professor, D.P.E.S.S., National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
Speakers:
Sleep patterns, recovery, and performance in aquatic sports athletes
Botonis Petros, Assistant Professor, D.P.E.S.S., National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
Training load evaluation for performance enhancement in aquatic sports
Toubekis Argyris, Professor, D.P.E.S.S., National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
Concurrent swimming and dryland resistance training for competitive swimmers
Arsoniadis Gavriil, PhD , D.P.E.S.S., National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
Evaluation of swimming technique
Gourgoulis Vassilios, Professor, D.P.E.S.S., Democritus University of Thrace
Abstract
Sleep patterns, recovery, and performance in aquatic sports athletes
Sufficient sleep quantity and quality is vital for health and recovery for all human beings and for athletes, particularly. A typical sleep is composed of periods of 90-min cycles divided into periods of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Recent recommendations suggest that athletes should obtain 9-10 h of total sleep to cope with the increased need for recovery. To date, the studies which have used objective (e.g., actigraphy) sleep measures (time in bed, wake-up time, total time in bed, total sleep time, sleep efficiency, and wakes after sleep onset) suggest that athletes receive less sleep quantity than recommended. Besides the inadequate sleep duration, they present poor sleep efficiency and increased number of awakenings during the night. Training schedule and increased training load appear to be crucial factors jeopardizing the sleep of athletes participating in aquatic sports. In fact, training schedules requiring early morning trainings (<6 a.m.) and increased training volume and/or intensity have been linked with poor sleep, decreased subjective recovery the following day and likely with reduced endurance performance. In this direction, a growing number of studies in general and athletic population have shown that sleep deficit is associated with immunosuppression and increased risk of illness. Based on the abovementioned research findings, aquatic sports athletes and the coaching staff should be aware of the adverse effects of sleep loss on recovery and performance. The adoption of effective sleep strategies is necessary for the improvement of wellbeing, performance, and overall health of the athletes.
Training load evaluation for performance enhancement in aquatic sports
Athletes in aquatic sports participate in daily in-water training that induces substantial psychobiological load. The last is manipulated by the coach and considering the advice and support of the scientific staff. The external load planned for each athlete can be easily evaluated, however, the estimation of the individual internal load requires specific knowledge. In this context, the continuous heart rate recordings, the blood lactate concentration and the use of specifically designed sensors may be used for the quantification of the individual internal load. Additional information may be gained by recording the well-being status and sleep quality of the athletes. Besides this information, the product of the rating of perceived exertion with the training duration may be easily used in all aquatic sports for internal training load estimation. A systematic recording and subsequent control of training load is critical for the planning appropriate variation and periodization of the training stimulus during a mesocyle, or longer training periods. This information helps in the achievement of the best performance on a specific period of the year, while preventing occurrence of any immune system dysfunction or injury. Increased training load 4-8 weeks and an appropriate decrement 2-3 weeks prior to the main competition seem to be successful for competitive swimmers. A similar approach may be used for water polo players before internation tournaments with a duration of 2-3 weeks. A systematic recording of the training load and the appropriate modifications are decisive for a successful performance in important competitions.
Concurrent swimming and dryland resistance training for competitive swimmers
Dryland resistance training is routinely applied by swimmers aiming to increase their propulsive force and swimming performance. Swimmers usually apply dryland training such as maximum strength (≥90% of 1 repetition maximum) or strength endurance (40-60% of 1 repetition maximum) 15 to 40 min prior to swimming training (endurance or maximum intensity training). Dryland maximum strength training that performed 30 min prior to endurance swimming training did not affect swimmers’ speed during 5×400-m swimming repetitions or the tethered swimming force compared to control condition (no dryland training). However, decrements in stroke length and increments in stroke rate was observed during the 5×400-m endurance training set. A dryland strength endurance training 20 min prior to maximum intensity swimming training reduced performance during sets of maximum swimming efforts (8×25-m, 4×50-m). Interestingly a maximum strength training did not affected performance in the same maximum intensity efforts. Despite the limitations of the training sessions sequence applied in a daily training, most swimmers regularly perform dryland and swimming training concurrently for a period of 6 to 12 weeks. It has been reported that swimmers’ performance was improved in distances of 50 to 400-m and maximum strength was increased following 6 to 12 weeks of concurrent swimming and dryland training. Swimmers may apply dryland strength endurance training following a maximum intensity swimming training or separate these sessions in different days to avoid acute performance decrements in sprint swimming performance. Nevertheless, a long-term concurrent application of dryland resistance training and swimming training on the same training unit seem to improve swimmers’ performance.
Evaluation of swimming technique
Effective technique is a determining factor not only for achieving high performance and maximizing physical abilities, but also for avoiding injuries. Especially in swimming, technique becomes even more important, as due to the high density of the water, the consequences of even small technical errors are magnified. Swimming propulsion is based on the relationship of propulsive and resistive forces which is reflected in the velocity of the body’s center of mass (CM). Because for the determination of the CM’s velocity expensive equipment and sophisticated computational procedures are required, hip velocity can be used as an alternative. When the hip velocity increases it means that the propulsive forces predominate, while when it decreases it means that the resistive forces predominate. By recording the swimmers’ movement with high-frequency underwater and aerial cameras, and then digitizing with specific software selected points on the body (e.g. hip, knee, ankle, etc.), it is possible to determine both hip velocity and the movement of joints and body parts and to detect possible technical mistakes, providing the necessary feedback to the swimmers and their coaches. The evaluation can concern both the swimming styles, as well as the corresponding starts and turns, where the speed of the underwater dolphins or the individual underwater phases is of particular importance.
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