Vladswim have partnered with Bond University and the Australian Institute of Sport to provide a unique service to swimmers. The lead researcher, Assistant Professor Tara Diversi is a successful marathon swimmer, swimming the English Channel (relay and solo a week a part), Rottnest Island, Gibraltar Strait and Palm Beach to Manly in 2012 – 2013.
The research is a collaboration between Bond University and the Australian Institute of Sport. The research team includes:
- Professor Nuala Byrne – Bond University
- Professor Roger Hughes – Bond University
- Professor Chris Dubulaar – Bond University
- Dr Greg Cox - AIS Senior Sports Dietitian
- Greg Shaw - AIS Sports Dietitian (Swimming)
- Associate Professor Michael Climstein – Bond University
- Associate Professor Tony Baddrick – Bond University
- Vanessa Kardum Franks - Bachelor of Biomedical Science honors student
The following is an invitation to be involved in a comprehensive observational study to be based around the Melbourne Cold Water swim camp.
We understand how busy your training schedule is, and we aim to keep your time commitment as minimal as possible. The field research will take place within sessions organized by Vladswim during the cold water swim camp. Additional commitments include pre and post surveys and interviews.
The study will commence in April 2014.
This study will provide direction for future research in open water swimming in Australia to be conducted throughout 2014 and 2015. We are interested in how to improve performance while not compromising health and enjoyment of the sport.
A brief overview of the field observations are as follows:
- 1.5 hour swim. This will be a controlled hydration test within a 90 minute swim. Fluid will be measured and physical measures of hydration (blood and urine) will be measured.
- 8 hour swim: During this swim a number of measurements will be made. This includes heart rate, core temperature, gps distance covered
- Hydration: Swimmers will take a mid stream urine each morning of the cold water swim camp.
- Body Composition: A full anthropometric (skinfolds and bone measurements) will be taken on Thursday or Friday of the cold water swim camp.
- Questionnaire: Swimmers will be asked to complete a food diary and questionnaire prior to and during the camp.
More detailed information
Feel free to ask for more information about the methods, technology and analysis used within the study. Prior to the study you will be provided with information in a face to face briefing.
Benefits to you
Benefits related to the studies:
- Detailed report of your swim.
- Physiological responses to the 8 hour swim
- Core Body Temperature (ingestible tablet thermometer)
- GPS data of distance and speed.
- Continual heart rate
- Blood changes including hydration markers
- Analysis of carbohydrate, protein and fat intake throughout swim
- Body Composition Analysis (April and prior to Channel attempt)
- Fluid rate per hour and per kilometer swam.
- Dietary Analysis
- Observation report
- Physiological responses to the 8 hour swim
The following benefits may not be related to studies (if required)
- Group consultations/talks/practical practices twice (May, July)
- Individual nutrition appointments prior to your swim. (At Melbourne camp, Phone, Skype or in person)
- Individual weight gain/management programs
- Advice/recommendations on feeding plans and examples of feeding strategies
- Nutrition problem solving regarding GI symptoms or other potential issues.
Invitation and Further Information
Initially this swim is only open to Vladswimmers. Due to the uniquemess of this study, please keep your involvement confidential. To make the study worthwhile, we need a minimum of 10 swimmers. Due to costs involved, and therefore restrictions, we have a maximum of 20 swimmers who can be involved. If we have not reached the maximum number of swimmers, other swimmers may be invited to participate.
Ethical Considerations
This research is undertaken according to the requirements of Bond University Human Research Ethics Committee. The BUHREC protocol number is:
Your study results are confidential. Your results will be de-identified and stored according to Bond University’s privacy and legal requirements.
You are able to withdraw from the study at any time. You do not need to be involved in any parts of the study that you do not feel comfortable with. If you feel any discomfort throughout the study, please advise the lead researcher.
Should you have any complaints concerning the manner in which this research is being conducted please make contact with –
Bond University Human Research Ethics Committee,
c/o Bond University Office of Research Services.
Bond University, Gold Coast, 4229
Tel: +61 7 5595 4194 Fax: +61 7 5595 1120 Email: buhrec@bond.edu.au
We thank you for taking the time to assist us with this research.
Yours sincerely,
Assistant Professor Tara Diversi
(BHSc, MND, MBA, GDPsyc, PGPsyc, APD, AdvSD)
School of Health Science & Medicine
Bond University
Tel: 0421154784
Email: tdiversi@bond.edu.au