Are Young Swimmers Short and Middle Distances Energy Cost Sex-Specific?

This study assessed the energy cost in swimming (C) during short and middle distances to analyze the sex-specific responses of C during supramaximal velocity and whether body composition account to the expected differences. Twenty-six swimmers (13 men and 13 women: 16.7 ± 1.9 vs. 15.5 ± 2.8 years old and 70.8 ± 10.6 vs. 55.9 ± 7.0 kg of weight) performed maximal front crawl swimming trials in 50, 100, and 200 m. The oxygen uptake (V˙O2) was analyzed along with the tests (and post-exercise) through a portable gas analyser connected to a respiratory snorkel. Blood samples were collected before and after exercise (at the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th min) to determine blood lactate concentration [La–]. The lean mass of the trunk (LMTrunk), upper limb (LMUL), and lower limb (LMLL) was assessed using dual X-ray energy absorptiometry. Anaerobic energy demand was calculated from the phosphagen and glycolytic components, with the first corresponding to the fast component of the V˙O2 bi-exponential recovery phase and the second from the 2.72 ml × kg–1 equivalent for each 1.0 mmol × L–1 [La–] variation above the baseline value. The aerobic demand was obtained from the integral value of the V˙O2 vs. swimming time curve. The C was estimated by the rate between total energy releasing (in Joules) and swimming velocity. The sex effect on C for each swimming trial was verified by the two-way ANOVA (Bonferroni post hoc test) and the relationships between LMTrunk, LMUL, and LMLL to C were tested by Pearson coefficient. The C was higher for men than women in 50 (1.8 ± 0.3 vs. 1.3 ± 0.3 kJ × m–1), 100 (1.4 ± 0.1 vs. 1.0 ± 0.2 kJ × m–1), and 200 m (1.0 ± 0.2 vs. 0.8 ± 0.1 kJ × m–1) with p < 0.01 for all comparisons. In addition, C differed between distances for each sex (p < 0.01). The regional LMTrunk (26.5 ± 3.6 vs. 20.1 ± 2.6 kg), LMUL (6.8 ± 1.0 vs. 4.3 ± 0.8 kg), and LMLL (20.4 ± 2.6 vs. 13.6 ± 2.5 kg) for men vs. women were significantly correlated to C in 50 (R2adj = 0.73), 100 (R2adj = 0.61), and 200 m (R2adj = 0.60, p < 0.01). Therefore, the increase in C with distance is higher for men than women and is determined by the lean mass in trunk and upper and lower limbs independent of the differences in body composition between sexes.

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Energetics contribution during no-gi Brazilian jiu jitsu sparring and its association with regional body composition

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0259027 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (11) ◽

pp. e0259027

Author(s):

Dalton Müller Pessôa Filho ◽

Andrei Sancassani ◽

Leandro Oliveira da Cruz Siqueira ◽

Danilo Alexandre Massini ◽

Luiz Gustavo Almeida Santos ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Composition ◽

Oxygen Uptake ◽

Lean Mass ◽

Lactate Concentration ◽

Blood Lactate Concentration ◽

Whole Body ◽

Sport Training ◽

Relative Contribution ◽

Regional Body Composition ◽

Anaerobic Energy

We used measurements of metabolic perturbation obtained after sparring to estimate energetics contribution during no-gi Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Ten advanced grapplers performed two six-minute sparring bouts separated by 24 hours. Kinetics of recovery rate of oxygen uptake was modelled and post-combat-sparring blood-lactate concentration measured to estimate oxygen equivalents for phospholytic and glycolytic components of anaerobic energetics, respectively. Linear regression was used to estimate end-combat-sparring rate of oxygen uptake. Regional and whole-body composition were assessed using dual X-ray absorptiometry with associations between these measurements and energy turnover explored using Pearson’s correlation coefficient (significance, P < 0.05). Estimated oxygen equivalents for phospholytic and glycolytic contributions to anaerobic metabolism were 16.9 ± 8.4 (~28%) and 44.6 ± 13.5 (~72%) mL∙kg-1, respectively. Estimated end-exercise rate of oxygen uptake was 44.2 ± 7.0 mL∙kg-1∙min-1. Trunk lean mass was positively correlated with both total anaerobic and glycolytic-specific energetics (total, R = 0.645, p = 0.044; glycolytic, R = 0.692, p = 0.027) and negatively correlated with end-exercise rate of oxygen uptake (R = -0.650, p = 0.042). There were no correlations for any measurement of body composition and phospholytic-specific energetics. Six minutes of no-gi Brazilian jiu-jitsu sparring involves high relative contribution from the glycolytic component to total anaerobic energy provision and the link between this energetics profile and trunk lean mass is consistent with the predominance of ground-based combat that is unique for this combat sport. Training programs for Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners should be designed with consideration given to these specific energetics characteristics.

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Physiological Responses and Swimming Technique During Upper Limb Critical Stroke Rate Training in Competitive Swimmers

Journal of Human Kinetics ◽

10.2478/hukin-2019-0026 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 70 (1) ◽

pp. 61-68 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Yuki Funai ◽

Masaru Matsunami ◽

Shoichiro Taba

Keyword(s):

Perceived Exertion ◽

Physiological Responses ◽

Lactate Concentration ◽

Blood Lactate Concentration ◽

Swimming Velocity ◽

Stroke Rate ◽

Front Crawl ◽

Stroke Length ◽

Optimal Intensity ◽

Competitive Swimmers

Abstract The aim of this study was to examine how arm stroke swimming with critical stroke rate (CSR) control would influence physiological responses and stroke variables in an effort to identify a new swimming training method. Seven well-trained male competitive swimmers (19.9 ± 1.4 years of age) performed maximal 200 and 400 m front crawl swims to determine the CSR and critical swimming velocity (CV), respectively. Thereafter, they were instructed to perform tests with 4 × 400 m swimming bouts at the CSR and CV. The swimming time (CSR test: 278.96 ± 2.70 to 280.87 ± 2.57 s, CV test: 276.17 ± 3.36 to 277.06 ± 3.64 s), heart rate, and rated perceived exertion did not differ significantly between tests for all bouts. Blood lactate concentration after the fourth bout was significantly lower in the CSR test than in the CV test (3.16 ± 1.43 vs. 3.77 ± 1.52 mmol/l, p < 0.05). The stroke rate and stroke length remained stable across bouts in the CSR test, whereas the stroke rate increased with decreased stroke length across bouts in the CV test (p < 0.05). There were significant differences in the stroke rate (39.27 ± 1.22 vs. 41.47 ± 1.22 cycles/min, p < 0.05) and stroke length (2.20 ± 0.07 vs. 2.10 ± 0.04 m/stroke, p < 0.05) between the CSR and CV tests in the fourth bout. These results indicate that the CSR could provide the optimal intensity for improving aerobic capacity during arm stroke swimming, and it may also help stabilize stroke technique.

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Can an Incremental Step Test Be Used for Maximal Lactate Steady State Determination in Swimming? Clues for Practice

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18020477 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (2) ◽

pp. 477

Author(s):

Mário C. Espada ◽

Francisco B. Alves ◽

Dália Curto ◽

Cátia C. Ferreira ◽

Fernando J. Santos ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Steady State ◽

Perceived Exertion ◽

Lactate Concentration ◽

Blood Lactate Concentration ◽

Daily Practice ◽

Step Test ◽

Swimming Velocity ◽

Maximal Lactate Steady State ◽

Front Crawl ◽

Incremental Step

We aimed to compare the velocity, physiological responses, and stroke mechanics between the lactate parameters determined in an incremental step test (IST) and maximal lactate steady state (MLSS). Fourteen well-trained male swimmers (16.8 ± 2.8 years) were timed for 400 m and 200 m (T200). Afterwards, a 7 × 200-m front-crawl IST was performed. Swimming velocity, heart rate (HR), blood lactate concentration (BLC), stroke mechanics, and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured throughout the IST and in the 30-min continuous test (CT) bouts for MLSS determination. Swimming velocities at lactate threshold determined with log-log methodology (1.34 ± 0.06 m∙s−1) and Dmax methodology (1.40 ± 0.06 m∙s−1); and also, the velocity at BLC of 4 mmol∙L−1 (1.36 ± 0.07) were not significantly different from MLSSv, however, Bland–Altman analysis showed wide limits of agreement and the concordance correlation coefficient showed poor strength of agreement between the aforementioned parameters which precludes their interchangeable use. Stroke mechanics, HR, RPE, and BLC in MLSSv were not significantly different from the fourth repetition of IST (85% of T200), which by itself can provide useful support to daily practice of well-trained swimmers. Nevertheless, the determination of MLSSv, based on a CT, remains more accurate for exercise evaluation and prescription.

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Comparison of oxygen uptake during and after the execution of resistance exercises and exercises performed on ergometers, matched for intensity

Journal of Human Kinetics ◽

10.1515/hukin-2016-0021 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 53 (1) ◽

pp. 179-187 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

José Vilaça-Alves ◽

Nuno Miguel Freitas ◽

Francisco José Saavedra ◽

Christopher B. Scott ◽

Victor Machado dos Reis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Oxygen Uptake ◽

Ventilatory Threshold ◽

Lactate Concentration ◽

Blood Lactate Concentration ◽

Lower Limbs ◽

Lower Body ◽

Load Intensity ◽

Moment Effect ◽

The Moment ◽

The Individual

AbstractThe aim of this study was to compare the values of oxygen uptake (VO2) during and after strength training exercises (STe) and ergometer exercises (Ee), matched for intensity and exercise time. Eight men (24 ± 2.33 years) performed upper and lower body cycling Ee at the individual’s ventilatory threshold (VE/VCO2). The STe session included half squats and the bench press which were performed with a load at the individual blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol/l. Both sessions lasted 30 minutes, alternating 50 seconds of effort with a 10 second transition time between upper and lower body work. The averaged overall VO2 between sessions was significantly higher for Ee (24.96 ± 3.6 ml·kg·min-1) compared to STe (21.66 ± 1.77 ml·kg·min-1) (p = 0.035), but this difference was only seen for the first 20 minutes of exercise. Absolute VO2 values between sessions did not reveal differences. There were more statistically greater values in Ee compared to STe, regarding VO2 of lower limbs (25.44 ± 3.84 ml·kg·min-1 versus 21.83 ± 2·24 ml·kg·min-1; p = 0.038) and upper limbs (24.49 ± 3.84 ml·kg·min-1 versus 21.54 ± 1.77 ml·kg·min-1; p = 0.047). There were further significant differences regarding the moment effect (p<0.0001) of both STe and Ee sessions. With respect to the moment × session effect, only VO2 5 minutes into recovery showed significant differences (p = 0.017). In conclusion, although significant increases in VO2 were seen following Ee compared to STe, it appears that the load/intensity, and not the material/equipment used for the execution of an exercise, are variables that best influence oxygen uptake.

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Physiological responses to partial-body cryotherapy performed during a concurrent strength and endurance session

Applied Physiology Nutrition and Metabolism ◽

10.1139/apnm-2018-0202 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 44 (1) ◽

pp. 59-65 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Alessandro Piras ◽

Francesco Campa ◽

Stefania Toselli ◽

Rocco Di Michele ◽

Milena Raffi

Keyword(s):

Oxygen Uptake ◽

Strength Training ◽

Energy Cost ◽

Minute Ventilation ◽

Lactate Concentration ◽

Training Session ◽

Blood Lactate Concentration ◽

Hydration Status ◽

Passive Recovery ◽

Partial Body

This investigation examined the effect of partial-body cryostimulation (PBC) performed in the recovery time between a strength training and an interval running (IR) session. Nine rugby players (age, 23.7 ± 3.6 years; body mass index, 28.0 ± 2.6 kg·m−2) were randomly exposed to 2 different conditions: (i) PBC: 3 min at −160 °C, and (ii) passive recovery at 21 °C. We performed the bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and recorded temperature and cardiac autonomic variables at 3 time points: at baseline, after strength training, and after 90 min of recovery. In addition, blood lactate concentration was measured 1 min before and 2.5 min after the IR. Heart rate (HR), energy cost, minute ventilation, oxygen uptake, and metabolic power were assessed during the IR. Homeostatic hydration status was affected by the execution of an intense strength training subsession. Then, after PBC, the BIA vector was restored close to normohydration status. Autonomic variables changed over time in both conditions, although the mean differences and effect sizes were greater in the PBC condition. During IR, HR was 3.5% lower after PBC, and the same result was observed for oxygen uptake (∼4.9% lower) and ventilation (∼6.5% lower). The energy cost measured after cryotherapy was ∼9.0% lower than after passive recovery. Cryotherapy enhances recovery after a single strength training session, and during subsequent IR, it shows a reduction in cardiorespiratory and metabolic parameters. PBC may be useful for those athletes who compete or train more than once in the same day, to improve recovery between successive training sessions or competitions.

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Validating Physiological and Biomechanical Parameters during Intermittent Swimming at Speed Corresponding to Lactate Concentration of 4 mmol·L−1

Sports ◽

10.3390/sports8020023 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (2) ◽

pp. 23

Author(s):

Gavriil G. Arsoniadis ◽

Ioannis S. Nikitakis ◽

Petros G. Botonis ◽

Ioannis Malliaros ◽

Argyris G. Toubekis

Keyword(s):

Blood Lactate ◽

Perceived Exertion ◽

Lactate Concentration ◽

Blood Lactate Concentration ◽

Constant Speed ◽

Rating Of Perceived Exertion ◽

Training Set ◽

Front Crawl ◽

Stroke Length ◽

Biomechanical Parameters

Background: Physiological and biomechanical parameters obtained during testing need validation in a training setting. The purpose of this study was to compare parameters calculated by a 5 × 200-m test with those measured during an intermittent swimming training set performed at constant speed corresponding to blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol∙L−1 (V4). Methods: Twelve competitive swimmers performed a 5 × 200-m progressively increasing speed front crawl test. Blood lactate concentration (BL) was measured after each 200 m and V4 was calculated by interpolation. Heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), stroke rate (SR) and stroke length (SL) were determined during each 200 m. Subsequently, BL, HR, SR and SL corresponding to V4 were calculated. A week later, swimmers performed a 5 × 400-m training set at constant speed corresponding to V4 and BL-5×400, HR-5×400, RPE-5×400, SR-5×400, SL-5×400 were measured. Results: BL-5×400 and RPE-5×400 were similar (p > 0.05), while HR-5×400 and SR-5×400 were increased and SL-5×400 was decreased compared to values calculated by the 5 × 200-m test (p < 0.05). Conclusion: An intermittent progressively increasing speed swimming test provides physiological information with large interindividual variability. It seems that swimmers adjust their biomechanical parameters to maintain constant speed in an aerobic endurance training set of 5 × 400-m at intensity corresponding to 4 mmol∙L−1.

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Physiological and Performance Correlates of Squash Physical Performance

Journal of Sports Science and Medicine ◽

10.52082/jssm.2022.82 ◽

2022 ◽

pp. 82-90

Author(s):

Carl James ◽

imothy Jones ◽

Saro Farra

Keyword(s):

Body Composition ◽

Physical Performance ◽

Performance Test ◽

Lactate Concentration ◽

Blood Lactate Concentration ◽

Cardiovascular Fitness ◽

Performance Profiling ◽

Large Correlation ◽

Low Performance ◽

And Performance

The physiological and performance attributes of elite squash players were investigated. Thirty-one players (21 males, world ranking [WR] 42-594; 10 females, WR 7-182) completed a battery of fitness tests which included an aerobic squash-specific physical performance test (SPPT), repeated-sprint ability (RSA), change-of-direction speed (COD), acceleration (5-m sprint), body composition and force development (countermovement jump) assessments. The SPPT provided a finishing lap score, V̇O2max, average movement economy and the lap corresponding to a blood lactate concentration of 4 mM.L-1. Players were ranked and assigned to HIGH or LOW performance tiers. Two-way ANOVA (performance level*sex) revealed higher ranked players performed better (p < 0.05) for SPPT final lap (d = 0.35), 4 mM.L-1 lap (d = 0.52) and COD (d = 0.60). SPPT displayed a ‘very-large’ correlation with 4 mM.L-1 lap (r = 0.86), ‘large’ correlations with COD (r = 0.79), RSA (r = 0.79), sum-of-7 skinfolds (r = 0.71) and V̇O2max (r = 0.69), and a ‘trivial’ correlation with average movement economy (r = 0.02). Assessments of cardiovascular fitness (i.e. 4 mM.L-1 lap), RSA, COD and body composition appear highly pertinent for performance profiling of squash players. Regular, submaximal assessment of the 4 mM.L-1 lap during the SPPT may offer a practical athlete monitoring approach for elite squash players.

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Validating Physiological and Biomechanical Parameters During Intermittent Swimming at Speed Corresponding to Lactate Concentration of 4 mmol/L

Proceedings ◽

10.3390/proceedings2019025015 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 25 (1) ◽

pp. 15

Author(s):

Arsoniadis ◽

Nikitakis ◽

Botonis ◽

Malliaros ◽

Toubekis

Keyword(s):

Blood Lactate ◽

Lactate Concentration ◽

Blood Lactate Concentration ◽

Constant Speed ◽

Maximum Speed ◽

Swimming Training ◽

Training Set ◽

Front Crawl ◽

Stroke Length ◽

Biomechanical Parameters

AIM: progressively increasing swimming speed test (5 × 200 m) is used to calculate the speed corresponding to blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol/L (V4) and related physiological and biomechanical parameters. The purpose of this study was to compare the calculated by a 5 × 200-m test parameters with those obtained during an intermittent swimming training set (5 × 400-m) performed at constant speed corresponding to V4. MATERIAL & METHOD: Twelve competitive male swimmers (age, 19 ± 2 years; height, 178 ± 8 cm; body mass, 74.4 ± 10.1 kg) performed a 5 × 200-m front crawl test reaching maximum speed in the last effort. Blood lactate concentration (BL) was measured after each 200 m, and heart rate (HR), stroke rate (SR), and stroke length (SL) were determined during each 200 m. V4 was calculated by interpolation using the individual speed vs. BL, and subsequently HR, SR, SL corresponding to V4 were calculated (HR-V4, SR-V4, SL-V4). One week later, swimmers performed 5 × 400-m at constant speed corresponding to V4. During the 5 × 400-m test, BL (BL-5 × 400) was measured after the 1st, 3rd and 5th repetitions, while HR (HR-5 × 400) was recorded continuously. SR and SL were measured in each 400-m repetition, and mean values were calculated (SR-5 × 400 and SL-5 × 400). RESULTS: V4 and HR-V4 were not different from speed and HR-5 × 400 during the 5 × 400-m test (1.30 ± 0.10 vs. 1.29 ± 0.10 m/s; 160 ± 14 vs. 166 ± 13 b/min, both p > 0.05). BL-5 × 400 was not different from 4 mmol/L (4.9 ± 2.6 mmol/L, p > 0.05). SR was increased and SL was decreased during 5 × 400 m compared to the values corresponding to V4 (SR-V4, 28.9 ± 3.8 vs. SR-5 × 400, 34.5 ± 3.4 strokes/min; SL-V4, 2.38 ± 0.33 vs. SL-5 × 400, 2.25 ± 0.30 m/cycle, both p < 0.05). A Bland-and-Altman plot indicated agreement between variables obtained by the 5 × 200-m and 5 × 400-m tests but with great range of variation (bias: BL, −1.0 ± 2.6 mmol/L; HR, −7 ± 12 b/min; SR, −5.6 ± 3.3 strokes/min; SL, 0.13 ± 0.09 m/cycle). CONCLUSIONS: An intermittent, with progressively increasing speed, swimming test provides physiological information to coaches to apply during an intermittent constant-speed swimming training set at intensity corresponding to BL of 4 mmol/L with large inter-individual variability. It seems that the 5 × 200-m test does not provide valid results for the biomechanical parameters.

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Energy cost of and energy sources for alpine skiing in top athletes

Journal of Applied Physiology ◽

10.1152/jappl.1984.56.5.1187 ◽

1984 ◽

Vol 56 (5) ◽

pp. 1187-1190 ◽

Cited By ~ 24

Author(s):

A. Veicsteinas ◽

G. Ferretti ◽

V. Margonato ◽

G. Rosa ◽

D. Tagliabue

Keyword(s):

Energy Cost ◽

Lactate Concentration ◽

Blood Lactate Concentration ◽

Energy Sources ◽

Alpine Skiing ◽

O2 Uptake ◽

Male Athletes ◽

Energy Equivalent ◽

Expenditure Rate ◽

Study Heart Rate

O2 uptake (VO2) during exercise and at 2 min of the recovery along with blood lactate concentration 5 min after exercise were measured in an all-out special slalom (SS) and giant slalom (GS) performed by eight top male athletes and five controls in a field study. Heart rate (HR) was continuously monitored before, during, and after each task. On the basis of an energy equivalent of 3.15 ml O2 X kg body wt-1 for 1 mmol X 1–1 lactate accumulation and the assumption that the amount of O2 consumed in recovery is used to reconstitute approximately phosphates used during the exercise, the total energy cost (delta VO2 tot) could be calculated and subdivided into aerobic, lactic, and alactic fractions. In top athletes, delta VO2 tot was equal during SS and GS [7.28 +/- 1.14 (SD) and 7.47 +/- 0.89 liters for about 55- and 70-s performances, respectively]. When referred to time, the O2 expenditure rate was 2 and 1.6 times VO2max in SS and GS, respectively. In SS and GS, the energy sources were about 40% aerobic, 20% alactic , and 40% lactic metabolism. In control skiers, delta VO2 tot of GS was 6.12 +/- 1.45 liters for 77 s, amounting to about 1.3 VO2max, with the contribution of the different energy sources being roughly the same as in top skiers. HR reached maximal values in 30–40 s in all subjects for all conditions.

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Validating Physiological and Biomechanical Parameters during Continuous Swimming at Speed Corresponding to Lactate Threshold

Proceedings ◽

10.3390/proceedings2019025004 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 25 (1) ◽

pp. 4

Author(s):

Gavriil G. Arsoniadis ◽

Ioannis S. Nikitakis ◽

Petros G. Botonis ◽

Ioannis Malliaros ◽

Argyris G. Toubekis

Keyword(s):

Lactate Threshold ◽

Lactate Concentration ◽

Blood Lactate Concentration ◽

Maximum Speed ◽

Front Crawl ◽

Stroke Length ◽

Mean Values ◽

Speed Test ◽

Biomechanical Parameters ◽

The Individual

AIM: The purpose of this study was to validate the physiological responses and biomechanical parameters during continuous swimming at intensity corresponding to lactate threshold previously calculated by an intermittent, progressively increasing speed test (7 × 200-m). MATERIAL & METHOD: Nine competitive male and female swimmers (age, 19.2 ± 2.3 years; height, 175.3 ± 7.5 cm; body mass, 67.6 ± 8.7 kg; VO2max, 46.5 ± 15.6 mL/kg/min) performed a 7 × 200-m front crawl test reaching maximum speed in the last effort. Blood lactate concentration (BL) and oxygen uptake (VO2) were determined after each repetition, while heart rate (HR) was recorded continuously. Stroke rate (SR) and stroke length (SL) were measured in each 200-m effort. The speed at lactate threshold (sLT) was calculated using the individual speed vs. BL, and subsequently BL, VO2, HR, SR, and SL corresponding to sLT were calculated (BL-sLT, VO2-sLT, HR-sLT, SR-sLT, and SL-sLT). On a subsequent day, swimmers performed 30-min continuous swimming (T30) with a constant speed corresponding to sLT. BL, V02, HR, SR, and SL (BL-T30, V02-T30, HR-T30, SR-T30, and SL-T30) were measured in the 10th and 30th minutes of the T30 test, and the mean values were used for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: The speed corresponding to sLT was not different from the speed at T30 (1.33 ± 0.08 vs. 1.32 ± 0.09 m/s, p > 0.05). There was no difference between tests in VO2 (VO2-sLT, 34.9 ± 13.3 vs. VO2-T30, 32.1 ± 11.4 ml/kg/min, p = 0.47). However, not all swimmers were able to complete T30 at sLT, and BL, HR, and SR were higher, while SL was lower at the end of T30 compared to sLT (BL-sLT, 3.47 ± 0.60 mmol/L vs. BL-T30, 5.28 ± 3.15 mmol/L, p = 0.05; HR-sLT, 163 ± 10 vs. HR-T30, 171 ± 11 b/min, p = 0.03; SR-sLT, 28.0 ± 4.0 vs. SR-T30, 33.8 ± 3.2 strokes/min, p < 0.001; SL-sLT, 2.6 ± 0.4 vs. SL-T30, 2.4 ± 0.3 m/cycles, p < 0.001). A Bland-and-Altman plot indicated agreement between 7 × 200 and T30 in BL (bias 1.8 ± 2.4 mmol/L), VO2 (bias −2.9 ± 11.4 ml/kg/min), HR (bias 10.3 ± 12 b/min), SR (bias 5.3 ± 3.4 strokes/min), and SL (bias −0.3 ± 0.2 m/cycle), but the range of physiological and biomechanical data variations was large. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous swimming at speed corresponding to lactate threshold may not show the same physiological and biomechanical responses as those predicted by a progressively increasing speed test of 7 × 200-m.

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