| Training Programs |
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The Torrent E-Rack is a pool side resistance/assistance trainer designed to provide researchers a method of studying swimming performance, and swim coaches a simple and reliable method to resist and assist train swimmers, determine the most effective training protocols, and evaluate the progress of a resist or assist trained swimmer. The Torrent E-Rack is the first machine capable of measuring, graphing and displaying in real time a swimmer’s Distance, Time, Speed, Power, Force, Peak Speed, Peak Power, and Stall Force (maximum thrust) over any distance up to 50 meters. It also allows the user to determine the number of strokes, strokes per meter, meters per stroke, and power in watts per stroke. It can determine acceleration with each stroke. When power is plotted against strokes and peak power is plotted against unresisted peak speed it is possible to compare the performance of a swimmer to the performance of the fastest swimmers and help coaches evaluate performance and determine the most appropriate training protocol for improving strength or speed. Data can be saved to an Excel CSV file for synchronizing with Dartfish Video Analysis Software so that complete stroke by stroke analysis can be done. A photo strobe hot shoe is built in for synchronizing data with video. Because of the unique design of the Torrent E-Rack, in addition to the program modes supplied, custom programs can be written by the manufacturer to accomplish almost any imaginable swim training protocol for any level of experience or expertise. These features are built into a rugged stainless steel enclosure and make the Torrent E-Rack the most powerful and versatile swimmer training device ever built. The Torrent E-Rack consists of a stainless steel enclosure with water proof fittings containing a reel with line that connects to a swimmer, a speed sensor, electronically controlled force generating system, motor, electronic power interface, electronic signal conditioning hardware, electronic flash hot shoe, and Data Acquisition Hardware for interfacing with Torrent Data Acquisition Programs. Data is automatically displayed on a computer screen, and options are available to store data to a spread sheet for further analysis and record keeping. Programs for six test and training modes are included. In the Speed and Power Program the instrument allows the user to measure and record Time, Distance, Peak Speed, Peak Power, and Stall Force (maximum dynamic thrust up to 43lbs). These values are used to evaluate a swimmer’s speed and power, determine appropriate resistive training forces, and assess the swimmer’s improvements periodically throughout a training program. In the Resist Training program a desired resist training force is set. Also set are the number of repetitions and the repetition interval. The swimmer swims out against the force to the far end of the pool or other predetermined distance. The E-Rack senses when the swimmer stops and retrieves the swimmer to the starting position. After the preset interval the swimmer is signaled to start the next trial. After the preset number of repetitions has been completed, the instrument stops. All data can be stored for later analysis. The Assist Training Program allows the user to set a desired assist force, training interval and number of repetitions for a training protocol for an individual swimmer. The swimmer swims out at a preferred unresisted speed and at the turn the set assist force is automatically applied and assists the swimmer to swim at a higher speed returning to the start. Audible signals are given to direct the swimmer’s training sequence. A Resist and Assist Program allows both Resist and Assist functions to be used in the same lap. A Timed 10 Meter Sprint Program measures the swimmer’s average speeds over repetitive ten meter sprints with selected resist forces. It displays in real time Distance, Time, Speed, Power, Force, Peak Speed, and Peak Power. The number of strokes, strokes per meter, meters per stroke, and power in watts per stroke may easily be determined. When power is plotted against strokes and peak power is plotted against peak speed it is possible to compare the performance of a swimmer to the performance of the fastest swimmers and determine the most appropriate training protocol for improving strength or speed. Other distances can be programmed. A Towing Program is a special case of the Assist Program and is capable of towing a swimmer at higher speeds. It is especially useful for studying underwater streamline posture. All of the modes record instantaneous and average speed over the length of the training distances so that stroke by stroke analysis can be performed if desired. Please Look at the categories on the left for more information about the training programs! |