Time to Exhaustion at the VO₂max Velocity in Swimming: A Review

Abstract

The aim of this study was to present a review on the time to exhaustion at the minimum swimming velocity corresponding to maximal oxygen consumption (TLim-vVO2max). This parameter is critical both for the aerobic power and the lactate tolerance bioenergetical training intensity zones, being fundamental to characterize it, and to point out its main determinants. The few number of studies conducted in this topic observed that swimmers were able to maintain an exercise intensity corresponding to maximal aerobic power during 215 to 260 s (elite swimmers), 230 to 260 s (high level swimmers) and 310 to 325 s (low level swimmers), and no differences between genders were reported. TLim-vVO2max main bioenergetic and functional determinants were swimming economy and VO2 slow component (direct relationship), and vVO2max, velocity at anaerobic threshold and blood lactate production (inverse relationship); when more homogeneous groups of swimmers were analysed, the inverse correlation value between TLim-vVO2max and vVO2max was not so evident. In general, TLim-vVO2max was not related to VO2max. TLim-vVO2max seems also to be influenced by stroking parameters, with a direct relationship to stroke length and stroke index, and an inverse correlation with stroke rate. Assessing TLim-vVO2max, together with the anaerobic threshold and the biomechanical general parameters, will allow a larger spectrum of testing protocols application, helping to build more objective and efficient training programs.

Developing and testing an instrument to assess aquaticity in humans

“…The ability of underwater orientation and positioning and the capacity for controlling and correcting the hydrodynamic status of the body (task 3) are key parameters for efficient movement (Zamparo, Dall'ora et al 2012, Cortesi, Fantozzi et al 2014. The level of technical skills in crawl swimming (task 4) is an objective index of advanced water adaptation and the capacity of elite swimming performance (Zamparo, Dall'ora et al 2012, Gatta, Cortesi et al 2015, while the distance covered when continuously swimming for 5 min (task 5) independently from the style of swimming, reflects fitness level (Fernandes and Vilas-Boas 2012). The ability to maintain a vertical floating position inside the water (task 6) keeping the head above water level (Treading water) is a very important survival skill (Schnitzler, Button et al 2015) since failure to maintain this position for a certain amount of time could have serious life threatening consequences.…”

Comparison Between Aerobic Power Parameters at Different Time- Averaging Intervals in Swimming: An Update

“…In fact, after the Douglas bags procedures, VO 2 became to be directly assessed using mixing chamber's devices, and only afterwards an upgrade enabled real time breath-by-breath data collection with portable gas measurement systems [13]. Furthermore, this improvement also allowed testing in normal swimming pool conditions, overlapping the standard laboratory conditions that do not perfectly reflect the real-world performances [2,3,15]. The VO 2 peak mean value obtained in Sousa et al [10] study was similar to those described in the literature for experienced male competitive swimmers [14,15], but higher than the VO 2max mean value reported by Fernandes et al [6].…”

“…For a detailed description of the breathing snorkels used in the supra-maximal and maximal intensities cf. Keskinen et al [11] and Fernandes and Vilas-Boas [2], respectively. These respiratory snorkels and valve systems were previously considered to produce low hydrodynamic resistance and, therefore, not significantly affect the swimmers performance.…”

“…This is possible to infer from the swimming performance equation: v = E * (ept / D), where v is the swimming velocity, E represents the energy expenditure, ept is the propulsive mechanic efficiency and D represents the hydrodynamic drag [1]. Among the evaluation of the energetic factors, the assessment of maximal oxygen uptake (VO 2max ) is a key point of contemporary research in sport science in general and in "swimming science" in particular [2]. Considered to express the maximal metabolic aerobic performance capability of a subject, the VO 2max assessment is crucial for a better understanding of human energetics, and therefore, is related to one of the primary areas of interest in swimming training and performance diagnoses [2,3].…”

“…Among the evaluation of the energetic factors, the assessment of maximal oxygen uptake (VO 2max ) is a key point of contemporary research in sport science in general and in "swimming science" in particular [2]. Considered to express the maximal metabolic aerobic performance capability of a subject, the VO 2max assessment is crucial for a better understanding of human energetics, and therefore, is related to one of the primary areas of interest in swimming training and performance diagnoses [2,3]. purposes, it is important to study the specific VO 2 kinetics at different swimming intensities.…”