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Drafting distance in swimming.

Jean-Claude Chatard1, Barry Wilson

  • 1Laboratory of Physiology, GIP Exercise, Faculty of Medicine, University of Saint-Etienne, France. chatard@univ-st-etienne.fr

Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|July 4, 2003
PubMed
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Optimal drafting in swimming occurs within 0-50 cm behind the lead swimmer, significantly reducing metabolic cost and improving performance. Lateral drafting also offers benefits, with optimal positioning 50-100 cm behind the leader.

Area of Science:

  • Sports Science
  • Human Physiology
  • Fluid Dynamics

Background:

  • Competitive swimming involves significant energy expenditure.
  • Understanding hydrodynamic drag and metabolic cost is crucial for optimizing performance.
  • Drafting behind another swimmer can potentially reduce energy demands.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of drafting distance on the metabolic and hydrodynamic responses of swimmers.
  • To determine the optimal positioning for drafting to maximize efficiency.

Main Methods:

  • Eleven swimmers performed 4-minute swims at 95% of their best 1500-m pace in non-drafting and drafting positions (0, 50, 100, 150 cm behind).
  • Metabolic responses (oxygen uptake, heart rate, blood lactate) and performance metrics (stroke rate, stroke length, perceived exertion) were measured.

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  • Passive drag was assessed at various rear and lateral drafting distances.

    • Main Results:

    • All drafting positions significantly reduced oxygen uptake, heart rate, blood lactate, and stroke rate, while increasing stroke length compared to non-drafting.
    • The most significant drag reduction (21% and 20%) occurred at 0 and 50 cm behind the lead swimmer.
    • Lateral drafting reduced drag by 6% and 7% at 50 and 100 cm behind the lead swimmer's hands.

    Conclusions:

    • Drafting closely behind a lead swimmer (0-50 cm) is most advantageous for reducing metabolic cost and drag.
    • Optimal lateral drafting positions are 50-100 cm behind the lead swimmer.
    • These findings provide valuable insights for competitive swimmers seeking to improve efficiency and performance.