A study on how age influences swimming speed in masters breaststroke mencompetitions

Abstract Introduction: Masters swimming competitions involve adults who practice swimming as a hobby, and it is focused on three main areas: fitness activity, recreational activity, and competitive activity. Masters swimming competitions are regulated at an international level by the FINA (Federation Internationale de Natation) and by the LEN (Ligue Europeenne de Natation). The Swimming Masters competitions are divided in age groups, starting at the age of 25, as follows: 25-29 years, 30-34 years, 35-39 years etc. Aim: In this paper we wish to present a study on reduction of swimming speed in relation to age, in breaststroke men competitions (50 m, 100 m, and 200 m). Methods: We analyzed the swimming speed for Masters Swimmers in a long swimming pool for the following events: 50 m, 100 m, 200 m – man breaststroke. The reference speed for each age group was calculated as the mean of the best 10 times obtained for that certain category. Results: For competitors aged 60-69 the speed decreases reaching about 80-60% of the maximum speed, and it reaches 80% of the maximum value at ages that range from 70 to 84 years old. After 85 the speed decreases up to 30% to 58% of the maximum speed. Conclusion: In breaststroke men events the speed at which master competitors swim decreases with age. Regarding the values of speed dependent on age and type of event we can state that it decreases more abruptly for older age in shorter distance events.