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Updated: Dec 24, 2025

Swimming Performance Assessment in Fishes
Published on: May 20, 2011
Relationship between VO 2max , under Water Swim Testing and Artistic Swim Solo Performance
Eric Viana1, David J Bentley2, Heather M Logan-Sprenger1,3
1Kinesiology, University of Ontario Institute of Technology Faculty of Health Sciences, Oshawa, Canada.
Peak oxygen consumption (VO2max) and an underwater swim test (UWST) are key indicators of artistic swimming (AS) performance. Higher VO2max and better UWST results correlate with higher AS scores, highlighting the importance of aerobic fitness.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Physiology
- Artistic Swimming Performance Analysis
Background:
- Artistic swimming (AS) demands significant aerobic capacity and endurance.
- Laboratory measures of cardiorespiratory fitness are crucial for understanding athletic performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between laboratory-assessed peak oxygen consumption (VO2max) and performance in a novel underwater swim test (UWST).
- To determine the correlation between cycling VO2max, ventilatory threshold (VT), and artistic swimming solo routine performance scores.
Main Methods:
- Fifteen trained artistic swimmers (15.8±0.8 years) underwent maximal incremental cycle testing for VO2max determination.
- Participants completed a 275m freestyle and underwater breaststroke UWST.
- A simulated AS solo routine was performed and scored by five FINA judges.
Main Results:
- A significant positive correlation was found between mean element score and VO2max (r=0.44, p=0.05).
- A significant negative correlation existed between mean element score and UWST performance (r=-0.64, p=0.005).
- Heart rate at VT showed a significant negative correlation with peak heart rate during the UWST (r=-0.64, p=0.014).
Conclusions:
- Laboratory-determined VO2max is a significant factor influencing artistic swimming performance.
- The UWST serves as a valuable and practical indicator for assessing AS performance.
- Aerobic fitness is a critical component for achieving high scores in artistic swimming.
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