Correlations between upper limb oxygen kinetics and performance in elite swimmers

Abstract

In swimming competitions, a good maximal oxygen uptake ($\dot V$O_2max) is well correlated with performance in mid and long distance events. Along $\dot V$O_2max, oxygen uptake adaptation ($\dot V$O kinetic) and oxygen consumption at steady state ($\dot V$O_2ss) are also important factors that influence the performance. Concerning oxygen kinetic parameters, the primary time constant (τ) seems to play the main role in $\dot V$O kinetics. The purpose of this study was to look at a possible relationship between Ừ, as well as other physiologic parameters and performance in 400 m crawl in elite swimmers. Ten elite swimmers were tested in a swimming and in a laboratory in six sessions. $\dot V$O_2peak and ventilatory threshold (VT) were determined during an incremental to exhaustion test (ET) on an arm crank ergometer. A constant load tests (CT) at 75% (>VT) and 35% (<VT) of $\dot V$O_2max were performed for both arms (UBE) and legs (LBE) on the arm crank ergometer and a cycle ergometer respectively. A maximal 400m crawl (CR) was also swum and time trial was used as performance best. Peak power output (W_peak), heart rate (HR), lactate concentration [La⁻], τ, as well as other physiologic parameters, were also identified. CR significantly correlated with W_peak (r= 0.81, p<0.01) and HR (r=0.71, p<0.05) in UBE. No significant correlations were found with τ (p>0.05). The results indicate that $\dot V$O kinetics, using our protocol, do not seem well correlated with CR in elite swimmers. Further studies are needed to clarify whether either using a swimming flume, or assessing long-distance and short-distance swimmers might give different results.