Impact of a Three-Month Training Break on Swimming Performance in Athletes with Intellectual Disability
Author Information
Author(s): Kyriakidou Glykeria, Tsalis George, Evaggelinou Christina, Hatchett Andrew
Primary Institution: School of Physical Education and Sport Science at Serres, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
Hypothesis
This study aimed to ascertain whether there were any differences in anthropometrics, heart rate, and swimming performance parameters in athletes with intellectual disabilities (ID) before and after a three-month training break.
Conclusion
Individuals with ID experienced a decline in 25 m swimming performance due to technical rather than physiological factors after three months of detraining.
Supporting Evidence
- Weight increased from 80.2 kg to 81.7 kg after three months.
- BMI increased from 26.8 to 27.2 after three months.
- 25 m swim time increased by 2.5 seconds after the training break.
- Stroke count increased by 1.4 cycles after the training break.
- SWOLF index worsened from 52.4 to 56.3 points after the training break.
Takeaway
When athletes with intellectual disabilities stop training for three months, they swim slower and their body weight and BMI go up.
Methodology
The study involved 21 swimmers with ID who were measured on anthropometric and performance parameters before and after a three-month training break.
Limitations
The sample size was relatively small and included individuals with a wide range of ages and levels of disability.
Participant Demographics
16 males and 5 females, mean age of 28.3 ± 8.7 years, all had intellectual disabilities, 6 had Down syndrome.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = 0.002
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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