Effect of Training on Selected Biochemical Variables of Elite Male Swimmers

The aim of the present study was to find out the effect of training on biochemical variables of elite male swimmers. A total of 60 Indian elite male swimmers (age: 17.33 ± 1.47 yrs; height: 173.08 ± 5.80 cm; body mass: 68.11 ± 5.02 kg) who regularly participate in competitive swimming volunteered for this study. A well-designed training program for the swimmers was employed for 12 weeks. The training sessions were divided into 2 phases (a) Preparatory Phase (PP, 8 weeks) and (b) Competitive Phase (CP, 4 weeks). Each phase was further subdivided into macro cycles and micro cycles, and were completed 4 hr/d; 5 d/wk. Selected variables were measured at zero level (baseline data, BD) and at the end of preparatory phase (PP) and competitive phase (CP) of training. A significant increase (P < 0.05) in serum urea, uric acid, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was observed after training. On the other hand, a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in resting and peak blood lactate, hemoglobin, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), TC/HDL and LDL/HDL were noted after the conclusion of training. The training program was effective for improving selected biochemical parameters for swimmers, and may be employed for monitoring training.