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Related Experiment Videos

Is Swimmers' Performance Influenced by Wetsuit Use?

Ana Gay, Gracia López-Contreras, Ricardo J Fernandes

    International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance
    |April 9, 2019
    PubMed
    Summary

    Wetsuits significantly improve swimming performance by increasing stroke length and efficiency, leading to a 6% faster 400m time compared to swimsuits. These findings suggest wetsuits can be beneficial for training adaptations.

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    Area of Science:

    • Sports Science
    • Biomechanics
    • Human Physiology

    Background:

    • Swimming performance is influenced by equipment, including wetsuits and swimsuits.
    • Understanding the physiological and kinematic effects of different swimwear is crucial for optimizing training and competition.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the impact of wetsuits versus swimsuits on swimming performance.
    • To analyze changes in physiological and kinematic variables under pool and flume conditions.

    Main Methods:

    • 33 swimmers completed maximal 400m front crawl in a pool with wetsuits and swimsuits.
    • Subsequent flume trials assessed variables including velocity, heart rate, blood lactate, and perceived exertion.
    • Kinematic parameters like stroke rate, stroke length (SL), and stroke index were measured.
    Keywords:
    front crawlopen waterpropelling efficiencyswimming flumetriathlon

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    Main Results:

    • Wetsuits improved 400m pool performance by 6% compared to swimsuits.
    • Stroke length (SL) and stroke index were significantly higher with wetsuits in both pool and flume conditions.
    • Physiological responses (HR, lactate, RPE) and stroke rate were similar, but propelling efficiency increased with wetsuits.

    Conclusions:

    • The 6% velocity increase was driven by a 4% rise in stroke length (SL).
    • Swimmers adapted by reducing stroke rate and increasing SL, leveraging wetsuit hydrodynamics for enhanced efficiency.
    • Wetsuits may be a valuable tool for improving swimming adaptations during training.