A Simple Method for Determining Critical Speed as Swimming Fatigue Threshold in Competitive Swimming

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether the concept of the critical power could be applied to competitive swimming by using critical swimming speed (CS) as determined both in the swimming flume (CS-flume) and in the normal swimming pool (CS-pool) and whether CS could be utilized as a practical index for assessing a swimmer's endurance performance. CS defined as the swimming speed which could be theoretically maintained continuously without exhaustion was expressed as the slope of a regression line between swimming distance (D) and its duration (T) obtained at various swimming speeds. Eight highly trained swimmers were instructed to swim until onset of fatigue at four predetermined swimming speed levels in the swimming flume and at maximal effort over four different swimming distances in the swimming pool. In the results of CS-flume and CS-pool, the regression relations between D and T were expressed in the general form, D = a+b x T, with r2 being higher than 0.998 (p less than 0.01), respectively. These results both from the flume and the pool indicated extremely good linearity. Furthermore, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) during the incremental exercise test, swimming speed corresponding 4 mM of blood lactate concentration (V-OBLA) and mean velocity in the 400 m freestyle (V-400) were measured on each subject.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Respostas fisiológicas e mecânicas do treinamento intervalado, de alta intensidade, de distâncias curtas a longas em atletas de natação

“…A lactacidemia é assim importante para a prescrição e avaliação do treinamento, pois pode ser indicador do esforço metabólico melhorando o desempenho de atletas de natação (COSTIL, 1991; O aumento do limiar de lactato pode ser decorrente de vários fatores, entre eles: uma maior capacidade de eliminação de lactato produzido e uma menor produção de lactato para a mesma taxa de trabalho (HOLLMAN, 2001;JUEL, 2001). Essa menor produção acontece devido a um mecanismo adaptativo que provoca o aumento das enzimas associadas à produção de energia (VON DUVILLARD, 2001;WAKAYOSHI, 1992).…”

“…(DANTAS, 2000;NISHIBATA, 1993;WAKAYOSHI, 1992). O treinamento da endurance aeróbica tem a fi nalidade de aumentar a contribuição do metabolismo aeróbico (COS-TILL, 1991;ISSURIN, 2001;TREFFENE, 1981) permitindo uma velocidade de lactogênese diminuída.…”

Physiological and Mechanical Methods for Designing Appropriate Training for Short – or Long – distance Competitive Swimmers

“…The enlargement of the threshold of lactate may occur many factors, among them: a higher capacity of elimination of lactate produced and a less production of lactate for a less production happens due to an adaptive mechanism which provokes an enlargement of enzymes linked to the production of energy (VON DUVILLARD, 2001;WAKAYOSHI, 1992).…”

“…(DANTAS, 2000;NISHIBATA, 1993;WAKAYOSHI, 1992). The aerobic endurance training has as a purpose of enlarging the aerobic metabolism contribution (COSTILL, 1991;ISSURIN, 2001;TREFFENE, 1981) …”

Evaluation of Age Group Swimmers: A in Field Proposal

“…In order to avoid the complicated procedures and highly costs of this type of evaluation, Wakayoshi et al [5] advanced with the term of CV. Hill [6] stated that CV is a valid indicator of aerobic performance not being influenced by the age of the swimmer.…”