Flávio Antônio de Souza Castro

Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul | UFRGS · School of Physical Education

Water polo's rule changes are proposed to improve performance throw a faster game with more goals, less wrestling and more technical skills. The rule changes may modify the players' perception and game actions. However, there are some critical differences between male and female water polo teams. To date, we have not found any study about female wa...

Approach: Intermittent incremental tests (ITT), intermittent tests (IT), and continuous tests (CT) provide physiological parameters along with the corresponding swimming speeds (v), which are valuable for decisionmaking by coaches. Purpose: This study aimed to summarise and compare the effectiveness of ITT, IT, and CT in monitoring physiological pa...

Background: Proteins are essential for the maintenance, repair, and growth of muscle mass. This is particularly important for master athletes because aging has been associated with loss of muscle mass, function, and strength. Moreover, the timing of intake has been shown important for the best protein utilization. Aim: To analyze timing, quantity,...

This reprint represents the collaborative efforts of the Guest Editors to explore new and emerging methodologies for delivering innovative solutions in exercise, health, and sports. We are grateful to all the authors of the manuscripts published in this special edition. Without their contributions, this reprint would not have been possible. The com...

Affective valence is typically positive at exercise intensities below the lactate threshold, yet more aversive responses occur at supra-threshold intensities. Nevertheless, the physiological and psychological predictors of affective valence during supramaximal intensities including short sprint interval training (sSIT) have not yet been elucidated....

Data in terms of goals, penalty fouls, exclusion fouls and goals per quarter from European water polo league for female tournaments in 2019/2020, 2021/2022, and 2022/2023 seasons.

The digital era is opening countless possibilities in “Sport Sciences”; “Public, Environmental, and Occupational Health”; and “Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy, and Rehabilitation” areas [...]

Asymmetries in swimming can be the result of poor technique or coordination between limbs, reducing the ability to produce propulsive force and increasing resistive drag. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the magnitude and determine the consistency of isokinetic peak torque asymmetries between the angular velocities of in the shoulder joint mo...

Physiological parameters give an indication of the potential swimming performance. Studies regarding swimmers with impairments which gather information on physiological parameters are scarce. The aim of this study was to summarize the results of studies involving oxygen uptake, blood lactate and heart rate in swimming protocols for swimmers with ph...

Master swimming is experiencing a notable increase in participation rates and performance standards. Various factors influence swimming performance, including biomechanical, physiological, and anthropometric elements. This study explored the intricate relationship between these factors and performance in the 200 m front crawl allout test (T200) amo...

Swimming in open water, even for experienced swimmers, is a challenge. The aim of this study was to verify the actual distance swum, the kinematic, and the arm-stroke efficiency during a 2000-m front crawl test performed in open water. Eight male swimmers (38.8±7.8 years old) performed a 2000-m (GPS in a boat) front-crawl test in three laps in a la...

The aim of this study was to compare, correlate, and verify the agreement of stroke rate (SR), length (SL), and velocity (v) obtained with both manual stopwatch and with video analysis. Fifteen male masters swimmers (39.7±8.3 years old) performed a 2000-m front-crawl in a 25 m swimming pool. Along 10 m from four steps, three consecutive stroke cycl...

Background The tethered swimming (TS) is an ergometer where swimming is simulated in an ecological environment, commonly used for assessing force in water. Objective This systematic review aims at a critical appraise of the literature on the biomechanical and physiological variables obtained from many protocols and tests assessing force–time curve...

The aim of this study was to describe the kinematics, inter-arm coordination, and oxygen uptake of swimmers with amputations and to verify how these parameters behave in two laps (75-100 m and 175-200 m) of an all-out 200 m front crawl test (T200). Six swimmers (four males and two females) with amputations participated (age: 30 ± 9.8 years). Anthro...

TO OUR READERS: An error appeared in the following article: Zacca R, de Souza Castro FA, Mottini Monteiro AS, Pyne DB, Vilas-Boas JP, Pinto Fernandes RJ. Swimming with the COSMED AquaTrainer and K5 wearable metabolic system in breath-by-breath mode: accuracy, precision, and repeatability. Int J Sports Physiol Perform. 2023;18(10):1152–1160. https:/...

INTRODUCTION Swimming in open water, even for experienced swimmers, can be a challenge. Wind, waves make it difficult for swimmers to orientate themselves (Zacca et al., 2020). Thus, the aim of this study was to verify the actual distance swum, the kinematic parameters, and the arm-stroke efficiency during a 2000-m front crawl test performed in ope...

INTRODUCTION Spatial-temporal variables in swimming, as mean stroke rate and length (SR and SL) and its product, the mean swimming speed (v) (without edge impulse effects) are often used in the practice and in the swimming research (Craig et al., 1985; Fiori et al., 2022). The aim of this study was to compare, correlate, and verify the concordance...

Memorial descritivo da carreira acadêmica para ascender ao cargo de professor titular. Escola de Educação Física, Fisioterapia e Dança da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, 2023 Descriptive memorial of the academic career to rise to the position of full professor. School of Physical Education, Physiotherapy and Dance of the Federal Univers...

Objective: The aim of this study was compared and correlate kinematics and physiological parameters in four maximal swimming tests of two groups of young swimmers. Methods: Twelve swimmers, separated in two groups by age (percentile > 50 th (n = 6): 15.4 ± 1.11 years old as group 1, and < 50th (n = 6): 12.1 ± 0.83 as group 2) performed four tests d...

AI and isokinetics and water sports

Purpose: To compare ventilatory and cardiorespiratory responses between the COSMED AquaTrainer coupled with the K4b2 and K5 wearable metabolic systems in breath-by-breath mode over a wide range of swimming speeds. Methods: Seventeen well-trained master swimmers performed 2 front-crawl 7 × 200-m incremental intermittent protocols (increments of 0...

Paddles and fins are used in swimmers training with different objectives (e.g., increase propulsive areas of hands and feet, improve the feeling of water flow). These artificial modifications of the stroke might be viewed as external constraints of the stroke task, both will either disturb or facilitate swimming modalities, so the coaches should ma...

Resumo: A eficiência propulsiva da braçada (ηp) pode ser descrita como o percentual da força aplicada pelo nadador na água que contribui para seu deslocamento à frente. Este estudo teve como objetivo verificar o conhecimento, o processo avaliativo e pedagógico de professores e treinadores de natação sobre a ηp, além de fornecer sugestões que promov...

The aim of this study was to compare the cardiometabolic and physical effects of two time-matched high-intensity programs in a real-world environment. Forty-three active and healthy adults (Sex = 31 males/12 females; Age = 27 ± 5 years; HRpeak = 190.7 ± 10.6 beat·min-1) were randomized to two very low-volume protocols (~ 8 min): sprint interval tra...

The aim of this study was to verify the effect of rule changes in the 2019 water polo (WP) rules on the performance of sub-elite and elite level teams of both genders, comparing pre- and post- moments. The data were collected through official game reports from Brazilian and European WP tournaments, totaling 533 matches, referring to goals (G), goal...

This study aimed to verify, in water polo (WP), the networks formed with anthropometry, tactical position of the players, and performance in WP specific tests, by experience in the modality. It was aimed, as well, to comparing the variables of the net between the less (group 1 – G1, 24 players) and more (group 2 – G2, 25 players) experienced player...

Editorial on the Research Topic Physiological and biomechanical determinants of swimming performance-volume 2 The objective of this Research Topic was to develop and strengthen evidence of training and swimming performance to increase scientific knowledge in the area, considering that understanding the biomechanical, physiological, and neuromuscula...

Several studies have investigated biomechanical and energetic parameters in competitive swimming. Among these studies, it is possible to identify the 400-m front crawl as a useful test to assess these parameters. The present study provided a meta-analysis assessing representative variables for the kinematic, arm-stroke efficiency, coordination, and...

Aims To compare and verify the agreement of the arm stroke efficiency (ȠF) results obtained by simplified (ȠFS) and three-dimensional (ȠF 3D) methods. Background Arm stroke efficiency (ȠF) estimates how much of the force applied by the swimmers’ upper limbs contribute to their propulsion. To estimate ȠF, in front crawl stroke, three-dimensional (Ƞ...

The study aimed to assess the effect of different front crawl stroke rates (SR) in the oxygen uptake (V̇O2) kinetics and V̇O2 peak, the total time to exhaustion (TTE), and blood lactate concentration ([La]) at 95% of the 400-m front crawl test (T400) mean speed (S400). Twelve endurance swimmers performed a T400 and four trials at 95% of the S400: (...

The aim of this study was to compare the acute cardiovascular and neuromuscular effects of three time-matched sessions of high intensity training. Eighteen moderately active adults 9 women and 9 men [age: 23±2.9 yr; maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max ): 47.6±4.1 ml·kg -1 ·min -1 ] performed three low-volume (~9 min) sessions in randomized order; sp...

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate front crawl technique and performance in children using kinematic variables in a 50-m maximum (T50) test. METHODS: Thirty-five children performed the T50, from which images were obtained of the two 25-m laps (L1 and L2) by 2 synchronized cameras and processed with Kinovea software (Kinovea Org.,...

ue to the growing engagement of youth in water polo practice, we aimed to characterize age-grouped players across anthropometric, general and specific motor abilities and contextual domains. We have also examined the associations of players’ specific skills with their anthropometric and general motor characteristics. One-hundred-and-one male water...

This study aimed (i) to verify if underwater horizontal, vertical and medio-lateral hand displacements (HD), in pull and push phases of the front crawl stroke, can be associated with arm-stroke efficiency (ƞp) and (ii) to compare np and selected kinematic variables between male and female swimmers. Ten male and 10 female swimmers performed an all-o...

This study aimed to compare the swimming velocities at lactate and glucose thresholds, as well as to analyse their relationships. Eight trained swimmers performed in front crawl a 200m steps intermittent incremental test and a lactate minimum test. Lactate and glucose concentrations were identified at rest, during the intervals and at the end of th...

Understanding fluctuations and associations between swimming performance-related variables provide strategic insights into a swimmer's preparation program. Through network analysis, we verified the relationships between anthropometrics, maturation, and kinematics changes (Δ) in 25-m breaststroke (BREAST) and butterfly (FLY) swimming performance, be...

Purpose The aim of this study was to analyze the acute responses of oxygen uptake and its kinetics, blood lactate concentration, total metabolic energy and energetic contributions to swimming tests performed at 90%, 92.5% and 95% of the 400 m front crawl test mean speed. Methods Fourteen male swimmers (26.7 ± 5.4 years) performed a 400 m front cra...

Acute psychological responses to physical activity may help explain long-term adherence to it. Thus, we compared acute psychological responses to different exercise protocols with identical durations. Eighteen moderately active young adults [Mage=23, SD=3 years; MVO2max (maximum oxygen consumption)=42.8, SD=4.3 mL·kg−1·min−1; MBMI (body mass index)...

Background Water polo is an open-skilled team sport in which agility is important. Objective This study aimed to propose a water polo player classification based on the Functional Test for Agility Performance. Methods A total of 78 male water polo players of different competition levels (7.7% regional, 52.5% national and 39.7% international), yea...

A cidade de Salvador (BA) tem uma imensa tradição no Polo Aquático, tendo o seu primeiro clube focado para a prática fundada em 1915. Apesar desta imensa tradição, as equipes da cidade não figuram atualmente no cenário competitivo nacional e buscam retornar a seus bons resultados. Os objetivos deste trabalho foram: (I) buscar conhecer a história do...

Lifeguards use, as part of aquatic rescue, the front crawl and up-head front crawl. Studies on energy expenditure and complementary physiological variables obtained during aquatic rescue strategies are rare. The aim of this study was to compare the front-crawl's and up-head front crawl's energetics and performance as carried out by lifeguards. Twen...

Considering age and experience as possible constraints to the development of aquatic skills, this study sought to analyse the effect of both on the aquatic competence of 368 children aged between 36 and 72 months using the Erbaugh Scale. Children were categorised according to age and previous aquatic experience in swimming lessons. The results of t...

Objetivou-se identificar e descrever instrumentos referentes à avaliação do comportamento aquático de crianças, por meio de revisão sistemática, e discuti-los à luz do conceito de competência aquática. Realizou-se a busca nas bases SPORTDiscus with Full Text, MEDLINE Complete, EMBASE, Web of Science e PubMed. Foram incluídos artigos, teses e disser...

Background In competitive swimming, performance is associated with swimming a certain distance in the shortest possible time. Specifically, in an all-out 200-m front crawl test (T200), the intensity and duration of effort represent a challenge for coaches and swimmers to balance swimming speed with the ability to use different energy sources (aerob...

Abstract: Considering the fundamental techniques of water polo (WP), the aim of this study was to verify the existence of a relationship between the speed of the ball in the throw to the goal (SB) and the height reached in vertical test performed in water (HEB) by WP players. Thirteen WP male players participated (age: 30.4 ± 6.5 years, body mass 8...

Aim: We investigated how Arena Powerskin R-EVO Closed Back (swimsuit) and Arena Carbon Triwetsuit (full-sleeve, wetsuit), both approved by the Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA) regulations, affect biomechanics and energetics of 3 Elite female open water (OW) swimmers at maximal and 4 submaximal swimming intensities. Methods: Three Elite...

Abstract: This study aims to propose theoretical and practical guidelines for the construction of a teaching methodologies for Water Polo (PAq). It intends to point out indispensable contents in the initiation to PAq for children (6 to 10 years old) and to present practical activities for the teaching-learning process through a narrative review of...

In a simplified way, the front crawl arm propelling efficiency (ηp) can be estimated using the distance between the shoulder and the hand at the end of the pull phase, the swimming speed (v) and the stroke rate (SR). The aim of this study was to verify the ηp and kinematical parameters along the 200 m front crawl test (T200), to provide comprehensi...

Walking and running are the most common human gaits. Humans walk at low speed and change gait to increase their locomotion speed, minimizing the energy expenditure. Thus, at speeds below walk-run transition speed, the oxygen consumption of walking is lower than that of running, while at higher speeds the relationship is reversed. 1 The energetic co...

Objective: to verify if three-weeks of training cessation affects 200 m front crawl performance and kinematics in 12 years old and under age-group swimmers controlling for anthropometric changes. Method: Sixteen age-group swimmers (11 girls and 5 boys, age: 10.2 ± 1.2 y) performed a 200 m front crawl test (T200) (time trial) PRE- and POST three-wee...

Background: Agility, vertical jump (VJ), and shot velocity (SV) are associated with water polo (WP) performance. Aims - (i) to identify the performance in agility, VJ and SV; (ii) to verify the correlations between the variables; and (iii) to identify the 90th and 95th percentile of each variable. Methods: Fifty-five male WP players (aged 21.6 ±...

Introduction: The knowledge about the main statistical methods used in studies of a certain area of knowledge allows to know the predominant methodological design, as well as the main objectives to be tested, and to check if there are limitations in the use of more elaborated and updated methods. Objective: to describe the main statistical methods...

El Test Funcional de Rendimiento de la Agilidad es considerado como un test específico para representar una situación que ocurre en el juego de waterpolo. En el que los jugadores deben moverse lo más rápidamente posible dentro de un área de 9 m2 en respuesta a los pases aleatorios realizados por otros jugadores. Para la adecuada realización del tes...

Introdução: O conhecimento acerca dos principais métodos estatísticos utilizados em estudos de uma determinada área do conhecimento permite conhecer o design metodológico predominante, bem como os principais objetivos a serem testados, e verificar se há limitações no uso de métodos mais elaborados e atualizados. Objetivo: descrever os principais mé...

This study aimed to analyse the stability of elite male long-distance swimmers (1500 m), and to identify the main predictors related to the pace. The performance of 16 elite male swimmers (22.59 ± 2.10 years-old) participating in the 1500 m event at the 2016 (London) and 2018 (Glasgow) LEN European Aquatic Championships were analysed. The lap perfo...

O objetivo deste estudo de caso foi relatar os resultados de desempenho comparativo em termos de cinemática, economia, eficiência geral e coordenação em diferentes intensidades de nado com recurso a dois tipos de fatos de competição (fato de banho, SWIMSUIT; e fato isotérmico, WETSUIT) entre a melhor nadadora de águas abertas da Federação Portugues...

Purpose Breath-by-breath energy expenditure during open water swimming has not yet been explored in an ecological environment. This study aimed to investigate and compare energetics and kinematics of 5 km swimming, in both swimming pool and open water conditions. Methods Through four independent studies, oxygen uptake (VO2) kinetics, heart rate...

Aim: This study aimed (i) to test the inter-rater reliability of swimming teachers, (ii) to test the swimming teacher's discussion effect on inter-rater reliability and (iii) to verify the intra-rater swimming teacher's reliability. Method: Twenty-one learning swimmers (14.1 ± 5.1 years old) performed two 25-m front crawl courses at a comfortable...

O desempenho no polo aquático depende de jogadores com adequadas características antropométricas e com boas capacidades coordenativas e condicionais. Essas características permitem deslocamentos rápidos e intensos, e eficiente organização coletiva de ataque e defesa. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a existência de relação entre parâmetros antro...

Effect of training with medicine balls on water polo ball speed The purpose of this study was to verify the effect training in the ball speed after throw to the goal in water polo players. Twenty-three male water polo players randomly divided into experimental (GE, n = 13) and control (GC, n = 10) groups participated. The ball speed was measured in...

Water polo performance depends on players with both adequate anthropometric characteristics and good coordinative and conditional skills. These features enable rapid and intense displacements, as well as an efficient collective organization of attack and defense. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between anthropometric and perf...

Purpose: to compare different methods to assess the arm stroke efficiency (? F ), whenswimming front crawl using the arms only on the Measurement of Active Drag System (MADSystem) and in a free-swimming condition, and to identify biophysical adaptations to swimming onthe MAD System and the main biophysical predictors of maximal swimming speed in th...

The aim of the study was to verify the relative contributions of energetic and kinematic parameters to the performance in 400-m front crawl test. Fourteen middle-distance swimmers participated in the study. Oxygen consumption was measured directly and blood samples were collected to assay lactate concentration. Both oxygen consumption and lactate c...

Purpose: Peak and maximal oxygen uptake ( V˙O2peak and V˙O2max, respectively) are used in assessing aerobic power. For swimmers with physical impairments, it is unclear whether the physiological variables obtained in 200-m and Nx200-m tests are similar. The objective of this study is to assess the validity of V˙O2peak as an estimator of V˙O2max and...

Background: In paralympic swimming, the biomechanical parameters related to performance are effectively determined according to the potentialities and peculiarities of each athlete. However, a clear integrated approach to these parameters for swimmers with physical disabilities at the speed of maximum oxygen uptake (vV̇O2max) is still practically n...

The aim of this study was to compare biomechanical, coordinative and physiological parameters in the front crawl, during interval training series performed in two submaximal intensities until exhaustion. Eleven swimmers, mean age of 21.0 ± 7.3 years, performed two sets of interval training with repetitions of 400 m (40 s of passive rest) at 90% (s9...

Our aim was to analyze physiological, kinematical and performance changes induced by swimming training in regional age-group athletes. Subjects (15.7 ± 2.2 years old) performed a 4 x 50-m front-crawl test at maximal velocity (10 s rest interval) in weeks 2, 4, 9 and 12 of a 15-week macrocycle. Descriptive statistics were used and the percentage of...