Is V̇O_2peaka Valid Estimation of V̇O_2maxin Swimmers with Physical Impairments?

Abstract

Purpose: Peak and maximal oxygen uptake (_ VO 2peak and _ VO 2max , respectively) are used in assessing aerobic power. For swimmers with physical impairments, it is unclear whether the physiological variables obtained in 200-m and Nx200-m tests are similar. The objective of this study is to assess the validity of _ VO 2peak as an estimator of _ VO 2max and complementary physiological variables, in particular, carbon dioxide production (_ VCO 2), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), minute-ventilation (_ V E Þ and absolute (HR) and relative (%HRmax) heart rates-which were obtained in a time trial test (200m) and an incremental intermittent test (Nx200-m) performed by swimmers with physical impairments. Methods: Eleven well-trained swimmers with physical impairments performed 200-m all-out and Nx200-m from low to all-out (controlled by a visual pacer), both with a respiratory valve system and a portable gas analyzer. Results: A paired Student's t-test showed no statistical difference (p > .05) for all comparisons. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.97 and 0.98 for _ VO 2 in l/min and ml/kg/min, respectively; ICC = 0.75 to 0.9 for _ VCO 2 (l/min and ml/kg/min), _ V E (in l/min) and HR (beats/min); ICC = 0.5 and 0.75 for %HRmax; and ICC < 0.5 for RER. Passing-Bablok regression showed that the dispersions were acceptable, considering the proportionality, except for HR and % HRmax. Bland-Altman method showed a high level of agreement for all variables. Conclusions: The _ VO 2peak and _ VO 2max , as well as the physiological variables _ VCO 2 and HR obtained, respectively, by 200-m and Nx200-m tests in swimmers with physical impairment were not different.

Monitoring oxygen uptake, blood lactate and heart rate in swimmers with impairments: A systematic review

“…This is because the N × 200m incremental intermittent protocols are shorter in execution, with lower work rate and lower total respiratory volumes (VO2) compared to the N x 400m commonly performed by swimmers without physical impairment. Even in n x 200m protocols it is possible to obtain peak VO2, which is similar to VO2max for swimmers with physical impairments, by associating the swimming speed (Feitosa et al, 2020).…”

200-m front crawl performance over a training season in 12 years and underage-group swimmers: growth and kinematics effects

“…It is well reported that the 400-m maximal front crawl time trial test (T400) is valid for aerobic capacity and power assessments in swimming 17 . However, the time to complete T400 is longer for children and other populations 18 . Regarding kinematics, changes in performance are influenced by stroke rate (SR), stroke length (SL), v, and stroke index (SI, an indirect measure of efficiency) 19 , typically used to assess a swimmer's technical development.…”