The non-linear relationship between sum of 7 skinfolds and fat and lean mass in elite swimmers.

Body composition can substantially impact elite swimming performance. In practice, changes in fat and lean mass of elite swimmers are estimated using body mass, sum of seven skinfolds (∑7) and lean mass index (LMI). However, LMI may be insufficiently accurate to detect small changes in body composition which could meaningfully impact swimming performance.

Practice does not make perfect: A brief view of athletes' knowledge on the menstrual cycle and oral contraceptives.

Objectives: To assess the knowledge of Australian elite female athletes surrounding the menstrual cycle and oral contraceptives.

Design: Cross sectional survey.

Methods: Australian female athletes (n=189) representing their state and/or country in their respective sport completed a questionnaire comprising questions (multiple choice and short answer) relating to the menstrual cycle and oral contraceptives.

Velocity, Oxygen Uptake, and Metabolic Cost of Pull, Kick, and Whole-Body Swimming.

Purpose: The contributions of the limbs to velocity and metabolic parameters in front-crawl swimming at different intensities have not been identified considering both stroke and kick rate. Consequently, velocity, oxygen uptake (V̇O), and metabolic cost of swimming with the whole body (swim), the upper limbs only (pull), and lower limbs only (kick) were compared with stroke and kick rate controlled.

Methods: Twenty elite swimmers completed six 200-m trials: 2 swim, 2 pull, and 2 kick.

Velocity, aerobic power and metabolic cost of whole body and arms only front crawl swimming at various stroke rates.

Purpose: Stroke rate (SR) has not been considered in previous research examining the relative roles of the limbs in front-crawl performance. This study compared velocity, aerobic power ([Formula: see text]) and metabolic cost (C) between whole body (WB) and arms only (AO) front-crawl swimming across various intensities while controlling SR.

Methods: Twenty Australian national swimmers performed six 200 m front-crawl efforts under two conditions: (1) WB swimming and, (2) AO swimming.