FROM THE ITALIAN CHAMPIONSHIP TO THE PARALYMPIC PODIUM: ELABORATION OF A NOVEL APPROACH OF DRY-LAND TRAINING IN ÉLITE SWIMMERS WITH DISABILITY

The present Ph D. thesis describes the longitudinal evolution of the physical, postural and functional parameters of three top-level Paralympic swimmers (classes S9-SB8-SM9, S7-SB6-SM7, S5-SB4-SM5) during two years of training promoting a novel approach of “dry land” training based on quality of movement. It is divided into three sections. PART I: in according to available literature, it is described the importance to shift the focus from a movement expressed in quantity (the parameters evaluated are basically related on the athlete’s fitness level) to a movement quality which means a more economic, efficient, biomechanically correct motion and their related assessments procedures. The foundations of human movement patterns are posture and breathing. PART II: two studies, based on aspects that have been an important part to the Paralympic swimmer’s training method, are exposed. The aim of the first research was to evaluate the difference between traditional core training and the abdominal training corrected by diaphragmatic breathing pattern on abdominal fitness, quality of movement and pulmonary function during 4 weeks of training, in two groups (N=32; 29±3 years): the Experimental Group performed abdominal exercises characterized on muscular chain stretching accompanied by a diaphragmatic breathing pattern with vocal sound emission, conversely Traditional Group performed traditional core exercises like crunches or isometric planks. The purpose of the second study is to show a different modality of strength training without external devices which effects are similar to those obtained with Blood Flow Restriction Resistance Training. This method is characterized by the modulation of muscle action velocity using moderate intensities (low loads) and slow speed without pause between repetitions nor between phases. PART III: The aim is to show the longitudinal evolution three èlite Paralympic swimmers during two years of training. Methods: related to their disability each subject underwent a specific dry-land training comprising a diaphragmatic breathing technique, aimed to improve their body alignment, mobility and trunk stabilization, as well as a slow-velocity resistance training aimed to improve their muscle strength. They were tested for functional movement by using FMSTM tests, a morphological analysis to describe their body posture, a MARM evaluation for the breathing patterns and the strength measured by vertical jump test with the infrared device Optojump. All data were collected over two years, from the Paralympic games in London in August 2012 to the IPC European Championship in Eindhoven in August 2014. Results: all swimmers improved both the single and the composite scores of the FMSTM assessment, indicating the achievement of a better postural control. They ameliorate their body alignment reaching a better balance between thoracic and diaphragmatic breathing pattern. The male athlete, also increased his strength parameters showing a +14% from December 2012 to August 2013 and an additional 2.6% from August 2013 to August 2014. All athletes won medals (silver and bronze ones) in the major international competitions, especially the male athlete won two bronze medals in London 2012, ended up five gold medals in Eindhoven 2014. Conclusion: These results show that a two-year specific dry-land training comprising body balance, breathing, and slow-velocity resistance training is capable of enhancing the functional, postural and strength performance of three top-level Paralympic swimmers. We conclude that such a gentle approach of training contributed to improved performance in world-class competitions, thus enabling them to reach consistently the highest step of the podium.