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Ambrosini L, Presta V, Galli D, Mirandola P, Vitale M, Gobbi G, Condello G. Interlink Between Physiological and Biomechanical Changes in the Swim-to-Cycle Transition in Triathlon Events: A Narrative Review. SPORTS MEDICINE - OPEN 2022; 8:129. [PMID: 36224433 PMCID: PMC9556684 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-022-00521-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Triathlon is a multisport composed of swim, cycle, and run segments and two transition periods. The swim-to-cycle transition is considered a critical period for the change in body position and the modifications in physiological (heart rate, VO2, lactate) and biomechanical parameters (cycling power and cadence, swimming stroke rate). Therefore, the aim of this review was to summarize the current evidence regarding the physiological and biomechanical changes and their interlink during the swim-to-cycle transition hinting at practical recommendations for coaches and athletes. The influence of the swim segment on cycle one is more evident for short-distance events. Greater modifications occur in athletes of lower level. The modulation of intensity during the swim segment affects the changes in the physiological parameters (heart rate, blood lactate, core temperature), with a concomitant influence on cycling gross efficiency. However, gross efficiency could be preserved by wearing a wetsuit or by swimming in a drafting position. A higher swim leg frequency during the last meters of the segment induces a higher cadence during the cycle segment. Training should be directed to the maintenance of a swimming intensity around 80–90% of a previous maximal swim test and with the use of a positive pacing strategy. When athletes are intended to train consecutively only swim and cycle segments, for an optimal muscle activation during cycling, triathletes could adopt a lower cadence (about 60–70% of their typical cadence), although an optimal pedaling cadence depends on the level and type of athlete. Future research should be focused on the combined measurements of physiological and biomechanical parameters using an intervention study design to evaluate training adaptations on swim kick rate and their effects on cycling performance. Coaches and athletes could benefit from the understanding of the physiological and biomechanical changes occurring during the swim-to-cycle transition to optimize the overall triathlon performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Ambrosini
- grid.10383.390000 0004 1758 0937Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Valentina Presta
- grid.10383.390000 0004 1758 0937Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Daniela Galli
- grid.10383.390000 0004 1758 0937Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Prisco Mirandola
- grid.10383.390000 0004 1758 0937Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Marco Vitale
- grid.10383.390000 0004 1758 0937Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy ,grid.10383.390000 0004 1758 0937Clinical Movement Analysis Laboratory, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Giuliana Gobbi
- grid.10383.390000 0004 1758 0937Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Condello
- grid.10383.390000 0004 1758 0937Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy
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Abstract
Triathlon is an increasingly popular sport that includes swimming, cycling, followed by running. The triathlete should not be seen merely as a cyclist who also swims and runs. Notable differences are seen in the type of bike used, training patterns, lower extremity demands, and cumulative nature of the sport. Injury prevention and treatment strategies need to take into account the triathlon distance, the type of bike used, athletic experience, prior injuries, risk factors, and a thorough understanding of the demands placed on the body through all 3 disciplines (swim, bike, and run).
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M Cushman
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Utah, 590 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA.
| | - Nathan Dowling
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Utah, 590 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
| | - Meredith Ehn
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Utah, 590 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
| | - Dana H Kotler
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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