Science of Swimming and Aquatic Activities

This volume gathers important research from around the globe in the field of swimming and aquatic activities. Readers will be able to better grasp the science behind the sport and related physical activities, with approaches from physiology, biochemistry, immunology, biomechanics, pedagogy, didactics and history. The seventeen chapters focus on energetics and technical evaluation of swimming and starting techniques, but the importance of water adaptation and competence, drowning prevention and lifesaving is also emphasized. High-intensity interval training, best recovery practices and aquatic therapy program efficacy are also examined. Another chapter makes an unusual comparison between the hydrodynamics of aquatic animals and human swimming, with another chapter overviewing the last five decades of biomechanics and medicine in swimming. This new volume will help close the gap between theory and practice, and will be very useful to swimming and aquatic activities professionals as well as to the public in general who enjoy participating in and watching sports.