During the past decade, web applications have evolved substantially. Taking advantage of new technologies, Rich Internet Applications (RIAs) make heavy use of client side code to present content. Web crawlers, however, face new challenges in crawling RIAs, such as how to explore and identify different client states. The problem of crawling RIAs has been a focus for researchers during recent years, and solutions have been proposed based on constructing a state-transition model with DOMs as states and JavaScript events as transitions. When faced with real-life RIAs, however, a major problem prevalent in current solutions is state space explosion caused by the complexity of the RIAs. This problem prevents the automated crawlers from being usable on complex RIAs as they fail to produce useful results in a timely fashion. This research addresses the challenge of efficiently crawling complex RIAs with two main ideas: component-based crawling and similarity detection. Our experimental results show that these ideas lead to a drastic reduction of the time required to produce results, enabling the crawler to explore RIAs previously too complex for automated crawl.

During the past decade, web applications have evolved substantially. Taking advantage of new technologies, Rich Internet Applications (RIAs) make heavy use of client side code to present content. Web crawlers, however, face new challenges in crawling RIAs, such as how to explore and identify different client states. The problem of crawling RIAs has been a focus for researchers during recent years, and solutions have been proposed based on constructing a state-transition model with DOMs as states and JavaScript events as transitions. When faced with real-life RIAs, however, a major problem prevalent in current solutions is state space explosion caused by the complexity of the RIAs. This problem prevents the automated crawlers from being usable on complex RIAs as they fail to produce useful results in a timely fashion. This research addresses the challenge of efficiently crawling complex RIAs with two main ideas: component-based crawling and similarity detection. Our experimental results show that these ideas lead to a drastic reduction of the time required to produce results, enabling the crawler to explore RIAs previously too complex for automated crawl.

Nas últimas décadas foram desenvolvidos estudos que associaram a coordenação das braçadas do nado crawl, expressa pelo índice de coordenação (IdC), ao desempenho de nadadores. Outro conjunto de estudos apontou que, em comparação à condição de apneia, a respiração afeta o desempenho dos nadadores. No entanto, não se sabe se a coordenação entre respiração e braçada está associada ao desempenho, e de que maneira isto ocorre. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a associação entre a coordenação e o desempenho de nadadores no nado crawl, considerando a coordenação entre braçadas e, de forma original, a coordenação entre a braçada e a respiração. Participaram 30 nadadores do gênero masculino com idade média de 14,1 anos (±0,99). A tarefa consistiu em nadar a distância de 100 metros utilizando o nado crawl no menor tempo possível, distribuída em quatro parciais de 25 metros, simulando uma prova de 100 metros. Foi utilizada como medida de desempenho a velocidade média (Vm); como medidas complementares, a frequência de braçadas (FBr) e o comprimento de braçada (CBr); e, de coordenação, o índice de coordenação (IdC) e o índice de respiração (IdR). A análise de variância de medidas repetidas foi utilizada para detectar diferenças nas medidas de desempenho, complementares e IdC entre as quatro parciais de 25 metros. Para verificar as diferenças no IdR entre a segunda e a quarta parciais de 25 metros foi utilizado o teste t de Student. O teste de correlação de Pearson permitiu a análise das relações do IdC e do IdR com as medidas de desempenho. Determinou-se como significância estatística alpha<=0,05. Os resultados mostraram que, para nadar 100 metros crawl no menor tempo possível, os nadadores são mais velozes (Vm) na parte inicial da prova simulada; mantêm FBr e CBr inalterados e IdC em oposição nas quatro parciais de 25 metros; mantêm a coordenação entre braçada e respiração (IdR), mas, qualitativamente, mudam de em atraso na segunda parcial para simultânea na quarta parcial. Em relação ao objetivo do presente estudo, os resultados permitem concluir que: 1) Há associação entre a coordenação da braçada com a respiração (IdR) e o desempenho (Vm): os nadadores que realizaram a inspiração após a empurrada, foram os que apresentaram velocidade mais baixa para nadar a quarta parcial de 25 metros; e 2) Há associação entre coordenação de braços e desempenho: semelhante aos resultados parciais de um estudo com nadadores de baixa velocidade (SEIFERT et al., 2007), os nadadores que realizaram maior IdC, foram os que apresentaram velocidade mais baixa para nadar os 100m, a primeira, terceira e quarta parciais de 25 metros. Portanto, além da coordenação entre braços, a coordenação entre braçada e respiração está associada ao desempenho de nadadores. Em estudos futuros, o conhecimento sobre a coordenação entre a braçada e a respiração e sua associação com o desempenho deve continuar a ser objeto de investigação / In the last decades, studies have been developed associating the coordination of front crawl strokes, expressed by the index of arm coordination (IdC), to the performance of swimmers. Another set of studies indicate that, compared to the apnea condition, breathing affects swimmers performance. However, it is unknown whether and how the coordination between breathing and stroke is associated with performance. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the association between coordination and performance of swimmers in the front crawl, considering the coordination between strokes and, in an original way, the coordination between stroke and breathing. Participants were 30 male swimmers with an average age 14.1 (± 0.99) years. The task consisted of swimming the distance of 100 meters using the front crawl in the shortest possible time, distributed in four parts of 25 meters, simulating a 100 meters race. As a performance measure, the average speed (Vm) was used; as complementary measures, stroke frequency (FBr) and stroke length (CBr); and, as coordination measures, the index of arm coordination (IdC) and the index of respiration (IdR). The analysis of variance of repeated measurements was used to detect differences in performance measures, complementary and IdC among the four partials of 25 meters. To verify the differences in the IdR between the second and fourth partials of 25 meters the Student\'s t-test was used. The Pearson\'s correlation test allowed the analysis of the relations of IdC and IdR between the performance measures. Statistical significance was defined as alpha <=0.05. The results showed that, in order to swim 100 meters front crawl in the shortest possible time, swimmers are faster (Vm) in the initial part of the simulated race; they maintain FBr and CBr unchanged and IdC in opposition in the four partials of 25 meters; they maintain the coordination between stroke and breathing (IdR), but, qualitatively, they change from delayed in the second partial to simultaneous in the fourth partial. Related to the aim of the present study, the results allow to conclude that: 1) There is an association between arm and breathing coordination (IdR) and performance (Vm): the swimmers who carried out the inspiration after the push were the ones who presented lower speed to swim the fourth partial of 25 meters; and 2) There is an association between arm coordination and performance: similar to the partial results of a study with low speed swimmers (SEIFERT et al., 2007), the swimmers who performed the highest IdC were the ones who presented the lowest speed to swim the 100m, the first, third and fourth partials of 25 meters. Therefore, in addition to arm coordination, the coordination between stroke and breathing is associated with the performance of swimmers. In future studies, knowledge about the coordination between stroke and breathing and its association with performance should continue to be investigated

Front crawl (FC) and back crawl (BC) are similar in terms of having alternating contributions of the arms combined with a six beat kick. However, the reason for the faster swimming times of FC than BC has not yet been established. There have been several studies in which the energy expenditure (Ė) of FC and BC were investigated. However, few researchers have compared Ė between the strokes. Also, although there have been some studies for FC using 3D motion analysis, few researchers have applied 3D motion analysis for BC. There have also been some studies in which the relationship between isokinetic torque produced on an isokinetic dynamometer and FC performance has been investigated, however, the relationship between isokinetic torque and BC performance is unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine why FC is faster than BC by investigating physiological and biomechanical differences between FC and BC. Ten Portuguese male national level swimmers were recruited for this study. Three studies were conducted to achieve the aim. In the first study, Ė of FC and BC at the same testing speed below the anaerobic threshold were investigated by measuring swimmers’ oxygen uptake. Kinematic variables of FC and BC below the anaerobic threshold were also measured by 3D motion analysis in the first study. In the second study, 3D motion kinematics of FC and BC at the same selected speeds were investigated. In the third study, kinematic differences between FC and BC at the same exercise intensities, and correlations between the kinematics and isokinetic muscular torques of the swimmer in FC and BC and their differences were assessed. Below the anaerobic threshold, Ė of the swimmers in BC was significantly greater than that in FC at the same speed although there were no differences in stroke frequency (SF), stroke length (SL) and stroke index (SI). Swimmers also had significantly higher Froude efficiency (ηF) in FC than in BC. Differences in several kinematic variables (range of motion of the foot, duration of non-propulsive phases, and intra-cycle velocity variation) suggested that swimmers expended greater energy in BC than in FC. Differences in other kinematic variables (body roll angle, hand speed/acceleration, yaw angle fluctuation, centre of mass displacement, and hand/foot displacements) suggested the possibility of resistive impulse being larger in BC than in FC during the stroke cycle. Thus, FC is more economical and efficient than BC because swimmers lose less energy to the water during the non-propulsive phase, and possibly have smaller resistive impulse in FC than in BC at speeds below the anaerobic threshold. At the same selected speeds above the anaerobic threshold, ηF in BC was significantly lower than that in FC, which was due to faster mean 3D hand speed during the stroke cycle in BC than in FC. The faster mean hand speed in BC than in FC was due to the faster 3D hand speed during the pull phase, and longer relative duration of the release and above-water phases in BC than in FC. SI was also larger in FC than in BC, which was due to longer SL in FC than in BC. The longer SL in FC than in BC was due to the longer duration of propulsive phases and probably smaller resistive impulse during the stroke cycle in FC than in BC. At the same selected exercise intensities, FC was faster than BC because of higher SF. The higher SF in FC than in BC was due to the longer duration of the above-water phase in BC than in FC, longer hand path distance during non-propulsive phases in BC than in FC, earlier timing of the hand entry in relation to the underwater phase of the other hand in FC than in BC. SF in both FC and BC was significantly correlated with shoulder adduction isokinetic torque of the swimmers, however, the effect of shoulder isokinetic torque on the difference in swimming performance between FC and BC required further investigation. In conclusion, FC is faster than BC because swimmers can achieve higher SF in FC than in BC, and FC is more economical and efficient than in BC with indirect evidence that resistive force are greater in BC than in FC.

Orientador: Orival Andries Júnior / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Educação Física / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-22T22:03:57Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Lima_CarolinaMartins_M.pdf: 1429127 bytes, checksum: 645e26f53455ecb88a9e0f3771a1876b (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013 / Resumo: A Hipermobilidade Articular Generalizada é uma disfunção que dá ao indivíduo capacidade de realizar movimentos articulares exagerados, e na natação é necessário grande amplitude para uma performance eficiente. Sendo assim, o estudo teve como objetivo, verificar a influência da hipermobilidade articular, na performance e no índice de lesões de atletas voluntários na natação. Para isso, foram avaliados 20 atletas do estado de São Paulo, de ambos os sexos, de 15 a 20 anos de idade, e separados em três grupos, atletas com HAG (grupo 1), atletas sem HAG (grupo 2) e todos os atletas (grupo 3). Os dados foram obtidos através dos critérios de Carter e Wilkinson, parcialmente modificados por Beighton e Horan para diagnosticar HAG e flexiteste nas articulações de ombro e tornozelo para complementar o estudo. O Inquérito de Morbidade Referida adaptado foi utilizado para análise da incidência de lesão. Ainda, realizou-se filmagem em campo aberto de um estimulo máximo de 50 metros no nado crawl para avaliação da performance, sendo analisados tempo e frequência de braçadas. Observou-se que os atletas que apresentaram HAG consequentemente tiveram maior flexíndice. Quando analisado o desempenho, o grupo 1 apresentou menor frequência de braçadas, maior comprimento de braçadas e maior velocidade. Além do que, o tempo para execução do nado foi menor para o grupo 1, corroborando a hipótese de a HAG melhorar a performance do atleta de natação, apesar de não apresentar significância estatística. Com relação à incidência de lesão, o grupo 1 apresentou maior incidência de lesões osteoarticulares, percebidas no treino aquático, e principalmente no joelho, ombro e tornozelo, e o grupo 2 apresentou menor incidência de lesão, acometendo mais lesões do tipo musculares, percebidas na musculação e principalmente no ombro. Sendo assim, pôde-se concluir que os atletas com HAG apresentaram maior incidência de lesão e melhor performance que os atletas de natação sem HAG / Abstract: The Generalized Joint Hypermobility (GJH) is a disorder which gives the individual the ability to perform joint exacerbated movements, and the swimming uses movements of large amplitude for efficient performance. Thus, the study aims to verify the influence of GJH in the occurrence of injuries and overall performance of swimmers volunteers, since little has been reported on the influence of hypermobility and swimming. To do so, we evaluated 20 athletes in the state of São Paulo,, of both sexes, 15-20 years, and separated into three groups, athletes with GJH (group 1), GJH athletes without (group 2) and all athletes (group 3). The data has been obtained using the criteria of Carter and Wilkinson, partially modified by Beighton and Horan to diagnose and GJH flexitest in joints of shoulder and ankle. The Morbidity Survey adapted was used for analysis of injury incidence. More filming in the open for a stimulus of 50 meters freestyle at full speed for performance analysis, and analysis time and stroke rate. It has been observed that the incidence of GJH is provided above and Flexindex increases when there are GJH. When analyzing the performance, it was noted that the stroke rate, stroke length and speed were higher in the group 1. In addition to the time for running the swimming was lower for the group 1, corroborating the hypothesis that the GJH improve athletic performance swimming, despite not being statistically significant. Regarding the incidence of injury, the group 1 showed more osteoarticular lesions, seen in the water training, and especially in the knee, shoulder and ankle, and the group 2 showed a lower incidence of injury, most common injuries like muscle, and mainly perceived in bodybuilding and particularly the shoulder. To sum up, it is possible to conclude that athletes with GJH have had a higher incidence of injury and better performance than the swimmers without GJH / Mestrado / Biodinamica do Movimento e Esporte / Mestre em Educação Física

Orientador: Orival Andries Júnior / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Educação Física / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-20T08:53:03Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Moraes_RafaelCarvalhode_D.pdf: 3074022 bytes, checksum: 193ac376aa88ed39b3128919ba4f7299 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012 / Resumo: Em se tratando de treinamento esportivo, é possível afirmar que gestos técnicos e táticos são bastante explorados e também aplicados às sessões de treino. Contudo, em relação às respostas e adaptações fisiológicas, ainda há muitos fatores que não recebem a devida importância. O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar biomarcadores sanguíneos, Escala de Borg (EB) (dor e esforço) e frequência cardíaca (FC) em estímulos anaeróbios máximos no nado crawl (25, 50, 100 e 200 metros). Assim, 4 nadadores (sexo masculino) competitivos em nível nacional, com idade média de 20 anos (± 2,71), treinando há no mínimo 3 anos, foram voluntários no estudo. Os atletas seguiram uma rotina de treino em água de 2hs diárias - cinco a seis vezes por semana - durante 48 semanas, minuciosamente controladas, objetivando 3 competições-alvo, especialmente da 46ª semana deste período. Durante as 10 semanas precedentes à competição principal cada atleta realizou 4 estímulos máximos nas metragens supracitadas em 3 momentos - semanas 1 e 2 (momento 1), 5 e 6 (momento 2) e 9 e 10 (momento 3), mantendo a rotina de treino proposta. Foram coletadas amostras de sangue para medir as concentrações de lactato, creatinina, creatina quinase (CK) e ácido úrico (AU). Além disso, foram aferidos os tempos de cada estímulo, velocidade, FC e EB. As amostras de sangue, dados de FC e EB, foram coletadas antes e em momentos pós-testes. Para análise estatística utilizou-se do teste Kruskal-Wallis para medidas não-paramétricas. Os valores para os biomarcadores sanguíneos não apresentaram diferenças significativas entre os momentos de avaliação (p<0,05). A FC apresentou diferenças entre 25, 50 e 100m de cada teste, e apresentou valores de correlação com velocidade (r=-0,409), com lactato (r=-0,8) e creatinina (r=0,341). Neste contexto, a EB mostrou-se um bom parâmetro para prescrição da intensidade de dor e esforço quando relacionada a velocidade (R2= 58,9% e R2=74,6% respectivamente), lactato (R2= 48,5% e R2= 44,3% respectivamente) e FC (R2= 28,9% e R2= 23,8% respectivamente). Assim, CK, creatinina, AU e FC não mostraram-se bons parâmetros para diferenciação de esforços nos estímulos analisados. Desta forma, adotar valores fixos de FC e/ou algum biomarcador sanguíneo pode sub ou superestimar o desempenho do atleta. Já o lactato pode ser considerado bom parâmetro avaliador para estímulos anaeróbios máximos sendo mais otimizado quando atrelado à FC / Abstract: In the case about sportive training, it is possible to affirm that technical and tactical gestures are fairly well explored and applied to the training sessions. However, about physiological adaptations there are many factors that still has not been given its due importance. The objective of this study was to analyze blood biomarkers along with the Borg scale (BS) (pain and effort) and heart rate (HR) in the maximum anaerobic bouts in craw swimming (25, 50, 100 and 200 meters). Thus, four swimmers (men) competing at the national level, with an average age of 20 years (± 2.71), training for at least three years, volunteered for the study. The athletes followed a routine of 2hs daily training - five to six times a week - 48 weeks, carefully controlled, aiming at 3 competitions, specially the 46ª week competition of period. In the 10 weeks preceding the main competition, each athlete performed 4 maximum bouts in that distances at 3 times - weeks 1-2 (moment 1), 5-6 (moment 2) and 9-10 (moment 3), keeping the training routine proposal. We collected blood samples to measure the concentrations of lactate, creatinine, creatine kinase (CK) and uric acid (UA). In addition, we measured the time of each bouts, speed, HR and SB. Blood samples, FC and EB data were collected before and after testing times. For statistical analysis we used the Kruskal-Wallis test for nonparametric measures. The values for blood biomarkers showed no significant differences between the moments (p <0.05). The HR differ even between the distances 25, 50 and 100m of each test, and reported correlated values with speed (r=-0,409), lactate (r=-0,8) and creatinine (r=0,341). So, the SB was shown to be a good parameter of pain abd effort for the prescription of exercise intensity when related with speed (R2= 58,9% e R2=74,6% respectively), lactate (R2= 48,5% e R2= 44,3% respectively) and HR (R2= 28,9% e R2= 23,8% respectively). Thus, CK, creatinine, UA and HR, wasn't good parameters to differ the effort between bouts analyzed. Then, adopting fixed values of HR and / or any blood biomarker may under or overestimate the performance of the athlete. The lactate coupled to HR can be treated like a good measure parameter of anaerobic bouts / Doutorado / Ciencias do Desporto / Doutor em Educação Física

Nas últimas décadas foram desenvolvidos estudos que associaram a coordenação das braçadas do nado crawl, expressa pelo índice de coordenação (IdC), ao desempenho de nadadores. Outro conjunto de estudos apontou que, em comparação à condição de apneia, a respiração afeta o desempenho dos nadadores. No entanto, não se sabe se a coordenação entre respiração e braçada está associada ao desempenho, e de que maneira isto ocorre. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a associação entre a coordenação e o desempenho de nadadores no nado crawl, considerando a coordenação entre braçadas e, de forma original, a coordenação entre a braçada e a respiração. Participaram 30 nadadores do gênero masculino com idade média de 14,1 anos (±0,99). A tarefa consistiu em nadar a distância de 100 metros utilizando o nado crawl no menor tempo possível, distribuída em quatro parciais de 25 metros, simulando uma prova de 100 metros. Foi utilizada como medida de desempenho a velocidade média (Vm); como medidas complementares, a frequência de braçadas (FBr) e o comprimento de braçada (CBr); e, de coordenação, o índice de coordenação (IdC) e o índice de respiração (IdR). A análise de variância de medidas repetidas foi utilizada para detectar diferenças nas medidas de desempenho, complementares e IdC entre as quatro parciais de 25 metros. Para verificar as diferenças no IdR entre a segunda e a quarta parciais de 25 metros foi utilizado o teste t de Student. O teste de correlação de Pearson permitiu a análise das relações do IdC e do IdR com as medidas de desempenho. Determinou-se como significância estatística alpha<=0,05. Os resultados mostraram que, para nadar 100 metros crawl no menor tempo possível, os nadadores são mais velozes (Vm) na parte inicial da prova simulada; mantêm FBr e CBr inalterados e IdC em oposição nas quatro parciais de 25 metros; mantêm a coordenação entre braçada e respiração (IdR), mas, qualitativamente, mudam de em atraso na segunda parcial para simultânea na quarta parcial. Em relação ao objetivo do presente estudo, os resultados permitem concluir que: 1) Há associação entre a coordenação da braçada com a respiração (IdR) e o desempenho (Vm): os nadadores que realizaram a inspiração após a empurrada, foram os que apresentaram velocidade mais baixa para nadar a quarta parcial de 25 metros; e 2) Há associação entre coordenação de braços e desempenho: semelhante aos resultados parciais de um estudo com nadadores de baixa velocidade (SEIFERT et al., 2007), os nadadores que realizaram maior IdC, foram os que apresentaram velocidade mais baixa para nadar os 100m, a primeira, terceira e quarta parciais de 25 metros. Portanto, além da coordenação entre braços, a coordenação entre braçada e respiração está associada ao desempenho de nadadores. Em estudos futuros, o conhecimento sobre a coordenação entre a braçada e a respiração e sua associação com o desempenho deve continuar a ser objeto de investigação / In the last decades, studies have been developed associating the coordination of front crawl strokes, expressed by the index of arm coordination (IdC), to the performance of swimmers. Another set of studies indicate that, compared to the apnea condition, breathing affects swimmers performance. However, it is unknown whether and how the coordination between breathing and stroke is associated with performance. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the association between coordination and performance of swimmers in the front crawl, considering the coordination between strokes and, in an original way, the coordination between stroke and breathing. Participants were 30 male swimmers with an average age 14.1 (± 0.99) years. The task consisted of swimming the distance of 100 meters using the front crawl in the shortest possible time, distributed in four parts of 25 meters, simulating a 100 meters race. As a performance measure, the average speed (Vm) was used; as complementary measures, stroke frequency (FBr) and stroke length (CBr); and, as coordination measures, the index of arm coordination (IdC) and the index of respiration (IdR). The analysis of variance of repeated measurements was used to detect differences in performance measures, complementary and IdC among the four partials of 25 meters. To verify the differences in the IdR between the second and fourth partials of 25 meters the Student\'s t-test was used. The Pearson\'s correlation test allowed the analysis of the relations of IdC and IdR between the performance measures. Statistical significance was defined as alpha <=0.05. The results showed that, in order to swim 100 meters front crawl in the shortest possible time, swimmers are faster (Vm) in the initial part of the simulated race; they maintain FBr and CBr unchanged and IdC in opposition in the four partials of 25 meters; they maintain the coordination between stroke and breathing (IdR), but, qualitatively, they change from delayed in the second partial to simultaneous in the fourth partial. Related to the aim of the present study, the results allow to conclude that: 1) There is an association between arm and breathing coordination (IdR) and performance (Vm): the swimmers who carried out the inspiration after the push were the ones who presented lower speed to swim the fourth partial of 25 meters; and 2) There is an association between arm coordination and performance: similar to the partial results of a study with low speed swimmers (SEIFERT et al., 2007), the swimmers who performed the highest IdC were the ones who presented the lowest speed to swim the 100m, the first, third and fourth partials of 25 meters. Therefore, in addition to arm coordination, the coordination between stroke and breathing is associated with the performance of swimmers. In future studies, knowledge about the coordination between stroke and breathing and its association with performance should continue to be investigated

Magister Artium (Sport, Recreation and Exercise Science) - MA(SRES) / Swimming, as a sport, is constantly developing, both through the resources employed in training and assessment, and through the technological development of the fundamental aspects of swimming. In the freestyle events, swimmers spend between 38% and 50% of their competition time executing turns in short pool competitions over distances that vary from 50 m to 1500 m. The importance of the turn has been noted and analyzed for several decades, where it was found that the final turn velocity was second only to mid-pool swimming velocity for determining a medal finish in the men’s race. Due to the impact that the tumble turn has on swimming performance, the present study investigated the importance of the tuck index, foot-plant index and wall-contact time (WCT) on swimming performance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of the tuck index, foot-plant index, and WCT on the round trip time (RTT) in the tumble turn performance in level 3 swimmers in the freestyle swimming stroke. A quantitative cross-sectional and descriptive design was used in this study. A convenient sample of ten (10) swimmers were tested, five male and five female, all being level 3 swimmers affiliated to the high performance team of Swimming South Africa (SSA). Video analyses of the turns were recorded. Each subject performed thirty (30) trials, each consisting of a 50 m freestyle swim with flip turns at race pace. Descriptive statistics and multiple stepwise regression analyses were used to analyse the data. A p-value of below 0.05 indicated statistical significance. The mean tuck index was 0.57 ± 0.14°. The mean foot-plant index was 0.45 ± 0.10 cm. The mean WCT was 74.31 ± 11.57 %. The mean RTT was 2.47 ± 0.40 s. A significant negative correlation was found between tuck index and RTT (r = -0.41; p < 0.05). No significant relationship was found between foot-plant and WCT. Further regression analysis showed that the tuck index was a significant predictor of RTT (F = 21.745, p < 0.001). Following the freestyle tumble turn, the flutter kick technique remained the superior method of exiting the wall, based on the 5 m RTT. Therefore, the introduction of optimal turning practice for age-group swimmers is likely to result in significant reductions in turning times and should be noted by coaches and swimmers alike.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 48-49). / vi, 49 leaves, bound ill. 29 cm

Controlled frequency breathing (CFB) is a training technique used by swimmers in an effort to limit oxygen availability to the body and stimulate anaerobic metabolism. During CFB, a swimmer restricts breathing to one breath every six, seven, or even eight strokes per breath. The purpose of this study was to determine tb.e influen<;:e of CFB on blood lactate, heart rate, and stroke rate during front crawl stroke swimming. A maximal exertion test was used to determine peak swimming velocity. Based on this maximal test, five different workloads were used to compare CFB and normal breathing (NB). Subjects swam three-minute workloads at 55%,65%,75%, 85%, and 95% of maximal effort with two minutes rest between each workload. Blood lactate and heart rate were measured immediately after each workload and stroke rate was counted manually. Subjects were assigned to breathe normally (NB) or to restrict their breathing to one breath every eight strokes (CFB). Breathing conditions were randomly assigned. Multivariate analysis was used to compare the blood lactate, heart rate, and stroke rate between NB and CFB. Tukey's post hoc test was used when F-values were significant (p<0.05). Twenty-eight subjects (18 females, 10 males) completed the entire protocol. As expected there were significant main effects for the heart rate and blood lactate responses to increasing workloads (p<0.01). However, CFB did not alter blood lactate levels when compared to NB. Interestingly, heart rate (p=0.014) was lower and stroke rate (p=0.011) was higher in the CFB condition when compared to N'B.