Thesis (MTech(Chemical engineering))--Cape Technikon, Cape Town, 2000 / The demand for pool heating has increased dramatically over the last few years. This is ascribed to the idea that a swimming pool is expensive and can only be used for four months of the year. Therefore, a need for a relatively inexpensive solar heating system, capable of heating pool water to comfortable temperatures for an extended period, does exist. The least expensive solar heating system for swimming pool heating on the market in South Africa is in the order of R 11000. This is a fixed system, usually mounted on the roof of a house. In order to ensure the safety of minors, a safety net or sail must be installed. This is an additional cost, which approximates R1500, yielding a total cost for safety and heating in the order of R 12500. Copper pipes packed in black material are utilised in these conventional heating systems, and it is the cost of this good heat conductor that makes these units expensive. In this study an alternative pool heating system constructed of PVC was investigated. The system is designed to be flexible, mobile, act as a safety mechanism and absorbs the maximum amount of solar energy available. Dark blue material as opposed to black PVC was selected for aesthetic reasons at the expense of maximum efficiency. The material strength was tested as well as the strength of adhesion. The influence of factors such as exposure to the sun and the effect of water containing chlorine and acid on the material were evaluated. Also, various means of channelling the water through the system for increased efficiency was investigated. A pilot model was constructed and its performance evaluated. It has been concluded that the alternative approach provides effective heating at a lower cost than current systems. Also, the durability of the design was found to be acceptable.

Orientador: José Elias Tomazini / Coorientador: Marcelo Sampaio Martins / Banca: José Geraldo Trani Brandão / Banca: Elaine Cristina Martinez Teodoro / Resumo: Atualmente, a natação é praticada em diversos níveis, desde o terapêutico até o competitivo. Fatores biomecânicos que interferem no desenvolvimento da força propulsiva influenciam mais no desempenho do que na capacidade de produzir energia. Visando o alto rendimento, o objetivo deste trabalho foi detectar a assimetria da braçada do nado crawl através do nado atado e verificar a sua possível relação com a queda de desempenho. Com a utilização da dinamometria foi possível descrever as variáveis dinâmicas da força da braçada através de célula de carga, e com o auxílio da cinemetria comparar as variáveis da assimetria entre os braços e a frequência média de ciclos de braçadas. O método do nado atado foi empregado para avaliar 8 nadadores competitivos, com o mínimo de 2 anos de treinamento, de ambos os sexos, com idade entre 11 e 20 anos. Os dados de força obtidos foram coletados durante o nado crawl em um protocolo de 30 segundos, sendo 10 segundos iniciais de nado moderado, e 20 segundos de nado em intensidade máxima. As médias dos picos de força, frequência e ciclos foram descritas e comparadas entre as braçadas direita e esquerda. Os resultados da comparação entre a braçada direita e esquerda não diferiram estatisticamente: FM NA (80,28N ± 16,48); e FM NA (87,48 ±29,77) respectivamente. Quando comparados individualmente apenas, dois dos oito sujeitos apresentaram diferença entre as braçadas (p<0,05). Os resultados sugerem que os nadadores que apresentam assimetria significativ... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Currently, swimming is practiced at various levels, from the therapeutic to the competitive. Biomechanical factors that affect the development of the propulsive force, influence on performance more than the ability to produce energy. Aiming high performance, the aim of this study was to detect the asymmetry of the front crawl stroke by tethered swimming and check their possible relationship with the performance drop. With the use of grip strength was possible to describe the dynamic variables of the stroke force by load cell, and with the help of kinematics compare the variables of the asymmetry between the arms and the mean frequency of strokes cycles. The tethered swimming method was used to evaluate 8 competitive swimmers, with a minimum of two years of training, of both sexes, aged 11 and 20 years. The strength data were collected during the crawl in a 30-second protocol, 10 seconds of moderate swimming, and 20 seconds of swimming at maximum intensity. The average of the force peaks, frequency and cycles were described and compared between the right and left strokes. The results of the comparison between the right and left stroke were not statistically different: FM NA (80,28N ± 16.48); and FM NA (87.48 ± 29.77) respectively. When compared individually only two of the eight subjects showed difference between the lengths (p <0.05). The results suggest that the swimmers have significant asymmetry may be related to the style of swimming, technical and specific training. The asymmetry index found in other swimmers is not considered critical. Thus, the tethered swimming remains one of the best ways to measure the strength, and can be used as a prognostic training in evidence walking distance / Mestre

Orientador: Claudio Alexandre Gobatto / Banca: Sergio Augusto Cunha / Banca: Marcelo Papoti / Banca: Mário Mateus Sugizaki / Banca: Sebastião Gobbi / Resumo: Considerando a necessidade de avaliar a capacidade aeróbia de nadadores e assim prescrever as intensidades adequadas de treino durante ciclos de treinamento, vários estudos foram desenvolvidos com diferentes protocolos a fim de identificar instrumentos de aplicabilidade prática capazes de avaliar e quantificar a capacidade aeróbia. Entretanto, ainda existem controvérsias a respeito dos modelos invasivos e não invasivos e exaustivos e não exaustivos que representem de forma mais fidedigna a máxima fase estável de lactato (MFEL). Além disso, existe também, carência de investigações relacionadas à utilização do sistema de nado atado na avaliação de parâmetros fisiológicos, mecânicos e como ferramenta no treinamento de nadadores. Desse modo, o objetivo geral do presente estudo foi padronizar e testar diferentes modelos invasivos e não invasivos de avaliação aeróbia na natação, por meio de protocolos em nados livre e atado, validando-os através da comparação com a MFEL. Para isso, foram avaliados 12 nadadores do sexo masculino durante um período de polimento na natação. Foram utilizados protocolos de MFEL, velocidade crítica (Vcrit), Vcrit obtida por meio do protocolo proposto por Chassain (1986), MFEL em nado atado, força crítica (Fcrit) em nado atado e Fcrit obtida por meio do protocolo proposto por Chassain (1986). Para verificar possíveis diferenças entre as respostas agudas de stress obtidas após a utilização de diferentes protocolos em nados livre e atado, concentrações sanguíneas foram mensuradas. / Abstract: Considering the need to evaluate the aerobic capacity in swimmers and to prescribe the appropriate intensities of training, several studies were developed with different protocols in order to identify practical applicability instruments capable to evaluate and to quantify the aerobic capacity in swimmers. However, still controversies exist regarding the invasive and non invasive models which represent the maximal lactate steady state (MLSS). The aim of the present study was to standardize and to test differents invasive and non invasive models of aerobic and anaerobic evaluation in the swimming, by protocols in free and tethered swimming, validating them by the comparison with the MFEL. Twelve male swimmers were evaluated during the taper period in the swimming. Protocols of MLSS, critical swimming velocity (CSV), Vcrit obtained through the protocol proposed by Chassain (1986), MFEL in tethered swimming, critical force (CF) in tethered swimming and CF obtained by the protocol proposed by Chassain (1986). To verify possible differences among the stress responses obtained after the use of different protocols in free and tethered swimming, enzymatic plasma concentrations were measured. / Doutor

O objetivo geral deste estudo foi comparar variáveis espaço-temporais e fisiológicas durante o nado crawl com o uso de palmares e nadadeiras. Participaram 11 voluntários do sexo masculino (25,8 ± 5,5 anos de idade, 75,2 ± 5,5 kg de massa corporal e 177 ± 6,5 cm de estatura), nadadores de nível nacional e regional que realizaram dois protocolos distintos de avaliação: nado de 50 m em máxima intensidade e 12 repetições de 50 m em intensidade submáxima (nado intervalado). Ambos os protocolos foram realizados três vezes: nado sem equipamentos (SE), com palmares (CP) e com nadadeiras (CN). Foram coletados dados de desempenho, comprimento médio de braçadas (CB), frequência média de braçadas (FB), velocidade média de nado (VN), duração das fases da braçada (A, B, C, D), índice de coordenação de nado (IdC), frequência média de pernadas (FP), profundidade média de pernada (PP), concentração de lactato [LA] e percepção subjetiva de esforço (PSE). Utilizaram-se filmadoras para obtenção de imagens (60 Hz) subaquáticas dos nados no plano sagital, posteriormente analisadas, e um pacer subaquático luminoso foi utilizado para controle da VN nas séries de nado intervalado nas condições CP e CN e lactímetro portátil foi utilizado para obter as medidas de [LA]. De modo geral, em máxima intensidade palmares alteram [LA] e nadadeiras afetam FB, VN, e [LA]. Em série de nado intervalado, palmares alteram PSE e nadadeiras afetam CB, duração das fases A e C, FP, [LA] e PSE. As áreas de palmares e nadadeiras, relativas às mãos e pés, parecem ser decisivas para os resultados encontrados. / The Main objective of this study was to compare spatio-temporal and physiological variables in the front crawl stroke with paddles and fins. Eleven male volunteers (25.8 ± 5.5 years old, 75.2 ± 5.5 kg of body mass and 177 ± 6.5 cm of height), regional and national level swimmers, performed two different protocols: 50 m all-out and 12 trials of 50 m in sub-maximal intensity (interval training). Both protocols were performed three times: non equipment swimming (NS), paddles swimming (PS) and fins swimming (FS). Performance, means stroke length (SL), stroke frequency (SF), swimming velocity (SV), duration of the phases of the strokes (A, B, C, D), index of coordination (IdC), kick rate (KR) and deep (KD), lactate concentration [LA] and perceived exertion (PE) were obtained. Underwater images (60 Hz) in the sagital plane of the swimming were obtained with camcorders, after these images were analyzed, and an underwater pacer was used to control SV in the interval training for the PS and FS conditions and a portable lactimeter was used to obtain [LA]. In general way, in maximal intensity, paddles change [LA] and fins change SR, SV and [LA]. In interval training, paddles affect PE and fins change SL, duration of phases A and C, KR, [LA] and PE. Paddles and fins areas, relatives to hands and foots, seem to be very decisive in the found results.

O objetivo geral deste estudo foi comparar variáveis espaço-temporais e fisiológicas durante o nado crawl com o uso de palmares e nadadeiras. Participaram 11 voluntários do sexo masculino (25,8 ± 5,5 anos de idade, 75,2 ± 5,5 kg de massa corporal e 177 ± 6,5 cm de estatura), nadadores de nível nacional e regional que realizaram dois protocolos distintos de avaliação: nado de 50 m em máxima intensidade e 12 repetições de 50 m em intensidade submáxima (nado intervalado). Ambos os protocolos foram realizados três vezes: nado sem equipamentos (SE), com palmares (CP) e com nadadeiras (CN). Foram coletados dados de desempenho, comprimento médio de braçadas (CB), frequência média de braçadas (FB), velocidade média de nado (VN), duração das fases da braçada (A, B, C, D), índice de coordenação de nado (IdC), frequência média de pernadas (FP), profundidade média de pernada (PP), concentração de lactato [LA] e percepção subjetiva de esforço (PSE). Utilizaram-se filmadoras para obtenção de imagens (60 Hz) subaquáticas dos nados no plano sagital, posteriormente analisadas, e um pacer subaquático luminoso foi utilizado para controle da VN nas séries de nado intervalado nas condições CP e CN e lactímetro portátil foi utilizado para obter as medidas de [LA]. De modo geral, em máxima intensidade palmares alteram [LA] e nadadeiras afetam FB, VN, e [LA]. Em série de nado intervalado, palmares alteram PSE e nadadeiras afetam CB, duração das fases A e C, FP, [LA] e PSE. As áreas de palmares e nadadeiras, relativas às mãos e pés, parecem ser decisivas para os resultados encontrados. / The Main objective of this study was to compare spatio-temporal and physiological variables in the front crawl stroke with paddles and fins. Eleven male volunteers (25.8 ± 5.5 years old, 75.2 ± 5.5 kg of body mass and 177 ± 6.5 cm of height), regional and national level swimmers, performed two different protocols: 50 m all-out and 12 trials of 50 m in sub-maximal intensity (interval training). Both protocols were performed three times: non equipment swimming (NS), paddles swimming (PS) and fins swimming (FS). Performance, means stroke length (SL), stroke frequency (SF), swimming velocity (SV), duration of the phases of the strokes (A, B, C, D), index of coordination (IdC), kick rate (KR) and deep (KD), lactate concentration [LA] and perceived exertion (PE) were obtained. Underwater images (60 Hz) in the sagital plane of the swimming were obtained with camcorders, after these images were analyzed, and an underwater pacer was used to control SV in the interval training for the PS and FS conditions and a portable lactimeter was used to obtain [LA]. In general way, in maximal intensity, paddles change [LA] and fins change SR, SV and [LA]. In interval training, paddles affect PE and fins change SL, duration of phases A and C, KR, [LA] and PE. Paddles and fins areas, relatives to hands and foots, seem to be very decisive in the found results.

Este trabalho de pesquisa acadêmica, precipuamente, objetivou avaliar por amostragem, a qualidade sanitária das piscinas de uso coletivo da cidade de São Carlos, SP, com base nas legislações vigentes. O Código Nacional de Saúde, no artigo 44 dá realce ao planejamento, construção e uso das piscinas coletivas sujeitas ao controle das autoridades sanitárias competentes. O Código Sanitário do Estado de São Paulo, no decreto 12.342 de 27 de setembro de 1978, apresenta especificações para as águas de piscina. Para avaliação das instalações anexas foram estudados projetos, construção, operação de equipamentos, manutenção da área construída; foram feitas, também, vistorias das referidas instalações das piscinas propriamente ditas. Com base na legislação estadual e nos padrões da CETESB (Companhia de Tecnologia e Saneamento Ambiental), foram estudados regulamentos quanto a pessoal de apoio; e por meio de parâmetros físicos, químicos e bacteriológicos foi avaliada a qualidade da água de cada unidade amostral do universo de pesquisa deste trabalho porque, em conjunto, os anexos, o tanque de recreação e a água são responsáveis por problemas de saúde pública. Em São Carlos, das 28 piscinas de uso coletivo, que se enquadram nas regras do Decreto do Estado de São Paulo nº 12342 de 27 de setembro de 1978, por processo de amostragem estratificada foram selecionadas 18 piscinas, que perfazem 64,3% daquelas viáveis para o trabalho, pertencentes a nove localidades ou estabelecimentos. O espaço amostral buscou abranger piscinas de clubes, de instituições de ensino e de academias das classes sociais A, B e C; cobertas e descobertas; infantis e de adultos. / This research work evoluated the sanitary quality of collective use swimming pools in the city of São Carlos, SP. Acoordingly, the pools facilities were investigated in the following subjects: projects, construction, equipments operations, as well as the pools performance inspections themselves. Based on State Legislation and according to the CETESB (Companhia de Tecnologia e Saneamento Ambiental) patterns studies were performed concerning support personel, and the water quality of each stuied unit, in terms of: physical, chemical and bacteriological parameters. From the 28 colectif pools, 18 were selected for this work wich represent 64,3%, and this sampling space, covered club polls, schools and social academies for classes A, B and C, for children and adults.

This thesis aims at observing the swimming technique of adult amateur swimmers and revealing their most common mistakes. Based on statistical analysis, a training plan was composed in order to eliminate the observed swimming technique errors. Furthermore, it was examined whether better swimming technique results in faster performance by the target group.

No abstract available / Dissertation (MA)--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Psychology / unrestricted

Choking under pressure is a devastating experience for athletes who have invested their time and energy to master a sport. This study reviewed the mechanisms of choking under pressure to further understand the phenomenon and identify possible remedies. Twenty-eight competitive swimmers from the University of Arizona swim team were assessed on measures of dispositional mindfulness and trait anxiety, while three current staff members rated each athlete on measures of skill transfer and receptiveness to feedback. Athlete performances were recorded over the course of one season, and assigned a pressure rating of low, medium, and high. Results indicated significant effects of pressure on change in performance, and revealed non-significant trends between trait anxiety, mindfulness, and performance improvements as a function of pressure. Significant relationships were also found for trait anxiety with mindfulness and gender. Coach ratings were not found to be accurate predictors of improvements in swimming performance. These findings call into question theory suggesting trait anxiety is facilitative when low and detrimental when high, instead suggesting it may distribute as an inverse-u relative to performance. They also suggest dispositional mindfulness may be facilitative of performance under pressure, an endorsement for continued research into the efficacy of mindfulness training in athletics. Finally, they call into question the accuracy of coach ratings of athletes, and reveal a need for further investigation in that area. Implications for choking under pressure are discussed.

This study was designed to investigate the relative effects of selected physical education activities upon four components of physical well-being of college men. This study was intended to determine if changes occur in endurance, flexibility, balance, and agility by groups participating in either apparatus gymnastics, wrestling or swimming.