ABSTRACT
The relationships between the mean intensity of a training season, training volume and frequency, and the variations in performance were studied in a group of elite swimmers (N = 18). Additionally, differences between the swimmers who improved their personal record during the season (Fast, n = 8) and those who did not (Slow, n = 10) were searched for. The improvement in performance during the season was significantly correlated with the mean intensity of the training season (r = 0.69, P < 0.01), but not with training volume or frequency. The performance improvement during the season was significantly related to the initial performance level (r = 0.90, P < 0.01). The loss in performance during detraining from the previous season was lower for the group Fast than for the group Slow (6.21 ± 2.30% vs 9.79 ± 2.18%, P < 0.01). The present findings suggest that training intensity is the key factor in the production of a training effect. Factors such as previous detraining and initial performance level could jeopardize success in spite of a good adaptation to training.
