Applied physiology of swimming

Area of Science:

• Physiology
• Biochemistry
• Sports Science

Background:

• Swimming research has advanced in applied physiology, metabolism, biochemistry, and endocrinology over the last 10-15 years.
• This review synthesizes recent findings on swimmer characteristics, energetics, aerobic fitness evaluation, and metabolic/hormonal aspects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current scientific understanding of physiological and metabolic factors in competitive swimming.
• To analyze physical characteristics, energy expenditure, and methods for assessing aerobic fitness in swimmers.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent scientific findings in swimming physiology and performance.
• Analysis of physical characteristics (height, weight, body fat) of elite swimmers.
• Examination of energy expenditure models, including drag and gravity effects, and allometric scaling.
• Review of direct and indirect methods for evaluating maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max) in swimming.

Main Results:

• Elite swimmers are taller and heavier than the general population, with potential implications for global participation.
• Swimmers exhibit increased leanness, with female swimmers (14-19% body fat) having higher body fat percentages than males (5-10%).
• Swimming energetics show a linear relationship between O2 uptake and velocity, varying by stroke type (symmetrical vs. asymmetrical).
• A proposed index of energy cost (litres of O2/m/kg) may better reflect technical swimming ability than traditional metrics.
• Direct VO2 max measurement methods (free, tethered, flume swimming) yield similar results under comparable conditions.
• Free swimming with backward extrapolation offers a valid assessment closer to competitive scenarios.
• An indirect field test can predict VO2 max with acceptable accuracy (r=0.877), enabling functional aerobic power assessment.

Conclusions:

• Physical characteristics like height and leanness are significant in elite swimming.
• Understanding swimming energetics and employing appropriate VO2 max evaluation methods are crucial for performance.
• New indices and field tests offer improved insights into swimmers' physiological capabilities and technical efficiency.