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Study note

Adaptations to swimming training: influence of training volume.

PMID 2020277 (1991): taper — Time-trial performance (study note for endurance athletes).

Updated Jul 22, 2026

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Study note • PMID 2020277

Adaptations to swimming training: influence of training volume.

Medicine and science in sports and exercise1991

How to use this page

This note summarizes one study record. Check the participants, methods, results, and limitations before applying it to training.

  • Design signal: controlled study.
  • Population relevance: athlete/trained context.
  • Consistency: single-study evidence.
  • Practical recommendation depends on tolerance, context, and whether it protects training consistency.

ELI5

In plain language

In an effort to assess the contributions of a period of increased training volume on swimming performance, two matched groups of collegiate male swimmers were studied before and during… (controlled study; trained participants).

The abstract doesn’t indicate a clear change in Time-trial performance under the tested conditions. Treat this as a signal, not a guarantee; confirm methods and context in the full paper.

Takeaways

What the abstract suggests

  • Study question: In an effort to assess the contributions of a period of increased training volume on swimming performance, two matched groups of collegiate male swimmers were studied before and during…
  • The abstract doesn’t indicate a clear change in Time-trial performance under the tested conditions.
  • Population: trained participants.
  • Protocol cues (title/abstract): 1.5 h.

Protocol

Protocol (as reported)

  • Intervention/exposure: taper.
  • Dose/time/duration cues in abstract/title: 1.5 h.
  • Outcomes: Time-trial performance.
  • Replication note: abstracts often omit adherence and timing; confirm details before changing training or supplementation.

Fit

Who it may help, and who should be cautious

Who it helps

  • Athletes similar to the study population (trained participants) working on tapering.
  • Athletes who can measure Time-trial performance with a repeatable workout or time-trial effort.

Who should be cautious

  • If you have symptoms or conditions that make the intervention risky, get professional guidance.
  • If you’re near race day and can’t safely test, defer the experiment.

Methods

What the study actually did

  • Design: controlled study.
  • Population: trained participants.
  • Outcomes measured: Time-trial performance.
  • Protocol cues mentioned: 1.5 h.
  • Source: PubMed PMID 2020277 (1991) — Medicine and science in sports and exercise.

Results excerpt

What the abstract reports

The other group (SHORT) continued to train once each day, in the afternoon with the LONG group.

Note: excerpts are short; for full context, read the paper.

Limits

Limitations and bias

  • Abstract-only summaries can miss critical details (population, protocol, adherence, and context).
  • Single studies often don’t generalize to your event, history, and training load; treat results as a starting point.
  • If your context differs (elite vs recreational; cycling vs running), adjust expectations and be conservative.
  • This is performance information, not medical advice.

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Sources