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A Rapidly Incremented Tethered-Swimming Maximal Protocol for Cardiorespiratory Assessment of Swimmers
Published on: January 28, 2020
Estimating the energy contribution during single and repeated sprint swimming
M C Peyrebrune1, A G Toubekis, H K A Lakomy
1School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire, UK; British Swimming, EIS Loughborough Pool, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire, UK.
Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports
|August 18, 2012
Summary
Aerobic energy significantly fuels high-intensity sprint swimming. This study shows aerobic contribution increases with repeated sprint swimming bouts, impacting training strategies.
Area of Science:
- Sports Physiology
- Exercise Science
- Swimming Performance
Background:
- The role of aerobic energy systems in short-duration, high-intensity swimming is not fully understood.
- Elite swimmers rely on a complex interplay of energy systems during intense efforts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the aerobic energy contribution during a maximal 30-second fully tethered swim (FTS) and repeated 4x30-second semi-tethered swimming (STS) bouts.
- To investigate how aerobic metabolism changes during repeated high-intensity swimming efforts.
Main Methods:
- Eight elite male swimmers performed a 30s FTS and four 30s STS bouts at 95% intensity with 30s rest.
- Energy contribution was estimated by measuring accumulated oxygen demand and uptake.
- Blood lactate and pH levels were analyzed post-exercise.
Main Results:
- Aerobic contribution was 33% for the single 30s FTS.
- Aerobic contribution increased progressively during the STS bouts, reaching 52% by the fourth bout (P < 0.01).
- Blood lactate levels were elevated (12.1 mmol/L) and pH decreased (7.2) after the repeated sprints.
Conclusions:
- Aerobic energy plays a crucial role in both single and repeated high-intensity sprint swimming.
- Training programs for sprint swimming should incorporate the significant aerobic demands identified in this study.
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