Articles

Performance in the Aquatics Sports - The Psychological Edge

Wednesday, 01 April 2009 08:30 Written by Dr. Saul Marks*

Anxiety can certainly determine performance but there are strategies to cope with these symptoms of stress

Sport Psychology has become focused on how athletes in the aquatic sports interpret and deal with their anxiety and stress, particularly in the pre-competitive and competitive arena. Symptoms of stress are seen as to be “coped” with through a variety of mechanisms. These strategies include goal-setting, mental imagery, self-talk and relaxation. Used well, these coping mechanisms can help to optimize performance. Injuries bring additional stress for the aquatic athlete adding the uncertainty of recovery. With the help of a multidisciplinary team, injuries can be overcome, leaving the athlete with added stress, but the challenge of overcoming adversity.

Asthma in aquatic athletes

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Sunday, 01 February 2009 08:30 Written by Dr. Margo Mountjoy, Prof. Ken Fitch and Dr. Mohamed Kouidri*

Asthma is a common condition in aquatic sports. The incidence of asthma in swimmers and synchronised swimmers during the Beijing Olympic Games was 20%. Knowledge of the causes and triggers for asthma can help to decrease the incidence of asthma complications. The correct diagnosis of asthma is essential to ensure optimal care. There are many treatments for asthma which range from control of environmental triggers to inhaled and systemic (oral/intravenous) medications. The use of asthma medications is closely regulated by FINA and the World Anti-Doping Agency as some may have the potential to enhance performance at high doses and others may result in unfavourable side-effects. Knowledge of the regulations for asthma medication use is important to prevent a positive doping control test. This article reviews these features and addresses specific concerns for aquatic athletes.

Talent Identification Programmes

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Monday, 01 December 2008 08:30 Written by Dr. Shahram F. Mevaloo & Dr. Farhad Moradi Shahpar*

In Swimming, the physical and anthropometric characteristics of the athlete are essential. Whilst the goal of every coach is to improve the performance capability of his/her swimmers, the innate ability of each swimmer to adapt and respond to the training program will greatly influence the end results. Therefore, every coach should seek out those athletes with the best potential to succeed.

2008 Olympic Games Medical & Doping Control Programmes: Success and efficiency in Beijing

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Wednesday, 01 October 2008 08:30

The Beijing Olympic Games had many highlights for the FINA Aquatic Disciplines. There was spectacular diving in the National Aquatic Centre, the inaugural marathon swims at Shunyi Olympic Park and exciting water polo matches in the Yingdong Natatorium. There was perfection in the synchro events and numerous Olympic and World records set in the swimming pool. History was made in swimming with the 8 gold medals swims of Michael Phelps (USA).

Repeated sprint swimming performance after low or high intensity active & passive recoveries

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Tuesday, 01 July 2008 08:30 Written by Dr. Argyris Toubekis*

The 16th FINA World Sports Medicine Congress, “Optimising Performance and Promoting Health” was held in April 2008 in Manchester (GBR). During this event, the FINA Sports Medicine Committee introduced the “Cameron Award” in honour of the contribution to aquatic sports medicine/science of the late Professor Taffy Cameron.

16th FINA World Sports Medicine Congress - Record of participation and interest

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Thursday, 01 May 2008 08:30 Written by Dr. Margo Mountjoy & Dr. Kevin Boyd*

“Optimising Performance and Promoting Health” was the theme of the 16th FINA World Sports Medicine Congress held in Manchester, Great Britain on April 7-8, 2008. Over 200 participants from all five continents of the world attended to participate in the discussions and to share their experiences in aquatic sports medicine and sport science. This Congress had the highest record of attendance of all FINA World Sports Medicine Congresses. In this article, we will review the highlights from the Congress to share with those who were unable to attend in person.

FINA and the World Conference on Anti-Doping - Moving forward

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Saturday, 01 March 2008 08:30 Written by Dr. Andrew Pipe*

A few short months ago, members of the international Sport Community and representatives of Governments gathered in Madrid (ESP) for the Third World Conference on Doping in Sport. The focus of the meeting’s activities was the adoption of a revised version of the World Anti-Doping Code. Since its initial adoption in 2003 the Code has served to ensure a heightened degree of consistency between and among sport organizations and governments in their battle with doping. Over the course of an extensive, international consulting process spanning many months, stakeholders in the sport community were able to contribute to the development of a revised, refined Code which will continue to be the basis for the World’s anti-doping activities.