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Performance and drag during drafting swimming in highly trained triathletes
J C Chatard1, D Chollet, G Millet
1Laboratoire de Physiologie, GIP Exercice, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Saint-Etienne, France. chatard@univ-st-etienne.fr.
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|August 26, 1998
Summary
Drafting behind another swimmer significantly improves triathlete performance in 400m swims. This swimming technique reduces drag and enhances speed, particularly benefiting leaner athletes.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Exercise Physiology
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Triathletes often swim in close proximity to competitors.
- Understanding the physiological and performance impacts of drafting is crucial for race strategy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of drafting on swimming performance, metabolic responses, and passive drag in triathletes.
- To compare drafting versus non-drafting swimming conditions.
Main Methods:
- Eight triathletes performed a 400-m swim in both drafting and non-drafting positions.
- Metabolic markers (VO2, blood lactate, stroke rate, stroke length, RPE) were measured.
- Passive drag was assessed via towing.
Main Results:
- Drafting resulted in a 3.2% faster 400-m swim time.
- Lower blood lactate and stroke rate, with increased stroke length, were observed during drafting.
- Passive drag was significantly reduced in the drafting position.
- Performance gains were correlated with faster swim times and lower skinfold thickness.
Conclusions:
- Swimming in a drafting position offers a distinct advantage for triathletes.
- The benefits of drafting include improved speed and reduced physiological strain.
- Leaner, faster swimmers experience greater performance enhancements when drafting.