Analysis of the specific physical preparedness of 10-11-year-old swimmers at the initial basic training stage

Abstract

Introduction. In this article, the level of specific physical preparedness of swimmers aged 10-11 years at the initial basic training stage is examined. Particular attention is given to the assessment of anaerobic alactate, anaerobic lactate, and aerobic energy supply mechanisms. The relevance of this study is rooted in the critical need to optimize training programs for young swimmers aged 10-11 years, who are in a crucial phase of their physiological and athletic development. At this age, children experience significant growth and development in their muscle structure and metabolic pathways, which directly impacts their physical performance and capacity for both anaerobic and aerobic activities. Understanding and enhancing the specific physical preparedness of young swimmers is essential for ensuring their long-term success and health in the sport. Firstly, the study addresses the efficiency of different energy systems – anaerobic alactate, anaerobic lactate, and aerobic metabolism – which are pivotal in swimming performance. By analyzing how these systems function and interact during various swimming distances, coaches and sports scientists can develop more effective and tailored training regimens. This is especially important given that the existing training programs may not fully account for the unique physiological characteristics and recovery needs of young athletes. Secondly, the study highlights the inadequacy of short rest intervals in training, specifically the 15-second rest period, which is insufficient for complete recovery of oxygen balance and lactate removal. This leads to accumulated fatigue and decreased aerobic capacity, thereby impairing performance. By providing empirical evidence on the necessity of adjusting rest intervals, this research contributes to a more scientific approach to training program design, aiming to prevent overtraining and optimize athletic performance. Furthermore, the research underscores the importance of individualized training programs that consider the diverse physical and technical capabilities of young swimmers. The significant variability in performance on longer distances, as revealed by the study, suggests that a one-size-fits-all approach is ineffective. Personalized training not only enhances performance but also supports the overall physical and mental well-being of young athletes, promoting sustainable athletic development. This study is highly relevant as it offers valuable insights into the optimization of training protocols for young swimmers. By focusing on the specific energy demands and recovery processes, as well as emphasizing individualized training, the research aims to improve the effectiveness of training programs, ensuring young swimmers achieve their full potential while maintaining their health and enthusiasm for the sport. The purpose of the research was to analyze the indicators of specific physical preparedness of 10-11-year-old swimmers at the initial basic training stage during the assessment phase of the study. Research methods: The study employed methods such as analysis and synthesis of scientific and methodological literature, systematic analysis, and comparative methods. The participants included 44 girls and 42 boys who underwent a series of tests, including swimming distances of 25 m, 50 m and 800 m freestyle, as well as a series of 4×50 m with a 15-second rest interval. Research results showed that a 15-second rest interval between segments is insufficient for complete restoration of oxygen balance and lactate removal, leading to accumulated fatigue and reduced aerobic capacity. The significant difference in the time taken to complete the first and fourth segments suggests a decline in swimmer performance. Swimmers aged 10-11 demonstrated a high level of anaerobic endurance on short distances, which confirms the effectiveness of using the anaerobic alactate energy system. Testing on long distances (800 m) indicated a sufficient level of aerobic endurance but also revealed variability in results among swimmers, which may be due to individual differences in physical fitness and swimming technique. During the testing of specific physical preparedness of swimmers, particularly on distances of 25 m and 50 m freestyle, it was found that the anaerobic alactate energy system works effectively, providing rapid ATP resynthesis in the muscles via creatine phosphate. This allows swimmers to maintain high intensity during short intervals. However, when transitioning to longer distances, such as 800 m, aerobic metabolism predominates, which de-pends on the efficiency of the cardiovascular system and the muscles’ ability to utilize oxygen. The variability in results on long distances may be attributed to individual differences in physiological capabilities, training levels, and swimming techniques. The study’s conclusions highlight the necessity of revising the duration of rest intervals between high-intensity segments and developing individualized training programs that take into account the level of physical fitness and technical aspects of swimming. The results also emphasize the importance of developing both anaerobic and aerobic endurance to improve swimmers’ performance. The data obtained will help coaches create individualized programs that promote the harmonious physical development of athletes and the achievement of high sports results in the future. Our study also emphasizes the need to consider the physiological characteristics of young athletes. At the age of 10-11 years, children go through a period of active physiological development, which includes the improvement of muscle structure and metabolic pathways. The phosphagen system is the primary mechanism that provides energy during short but very intense efforts, such as the start in swimming or short sprints. This process is rapid and does not require oxygen, making it ideal for anaerobic efforts lasting up to 10 seconds. The anaerobic alactate mechanism provides energy by utilizing high-energy phosphates stored in the muscles – ATP and CP. Assessing the ability of swimmers to use CP allows identifying their readiness for short-term and intensive loads, which can be determined through tests for sprint speed, starting jumps, and other exercises that require maximum intensity over a short period.