Anaerobic Contribution Determined in Swimming Distances: Relation with Performance

Abstract

Total anaerobic contribution (TAn) can be assessed by accumulated oxygen deficit, and through sum of glycolytic and phosphagen contribution which enable the evaluation of TAn without influences on mechanical parameters. However, little is known about the difference of TAn within swimming distances. Therefore, the objectives of the present study were to determine and compare the TAn in different performances using the backward extrapolation technique and amount of lactate accumulated during exercise, and relate it with swimming performance. Fourteen competitive swimmers performed five maximal front crawl swims of 50, 100, 200, 400, and 800 m. The total phosphagen (AnAl) and glycolytic (AnLa) contributions were assumed as the fast component of post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOCFAST) and amount of blood lactate accumulated during exercise, respectively. TAn was the sum of AnAl and AnLa. Significantly lower values of AnLa were observed in the 800 m (p < 0.01) than other distances. For AnAl, the 50 m performance presented the lowest values, followed by 100 and 800 m (p < 0.01). The highest values of AnAl were observed in the 200 and 400 m (p > 0.13). The TAn was significantly higher in the 200 and 400 m performances than observed at 50 and 800 m (p < 0.01). Anaerobic contributions were correlated with 50, 100, 200, and 400 m performances (p < 0.01). The AnAl contribution was not correlated with 400 m performance. Anaerobic parameters were not correlated with 800 m performance. In conclusion, the highest values of anaerobic contribution were observed in the 200 and 400 m distances. Moreover, TAn is important to performances below 400 m, and may be used in training routines.

Determination of Maximum Accumulated Oxygen Deficit Using Backward Extrapolation

“…This technique consists of a semi-logarithmic regression of the relationship between oxygen consumption (VO 2 ) and time, which allows athletes to perform exercises without the gas analyser mask and in their own practice environment. This method is used in swimming [5][6][7][8] allowing the use of a single analyser and determines the VO 2 during submaximal [9] and maximal [10] efforts.…”

Relationships Between Aerobic and Anaerobic Parameters With Game Technical Performance in Elite Goalball Athletes

“…In view of this limitation, previous studies used a methodological adjustment, named “the backward extrapolation technique” that can provide assessment of O 2, preserving the ecological validity. This protocol consists of coupling the gas analyzer to the athlete immediately after the effort ( Leger et al, 1980 ; Montpetit et al, 1981 ; Costill et al, 1985 ; Campos et al, 2017a ; Rodríguez et al, 2017 ). From the linear adjustment between O 2 (log transformed) and recovery time the O 2 relative to the effort is determined ( Campos et al, 2017b ).…”

Commentary: Anaerobic Contribution Determined in Swimming Distances: Relation With Performance

“…In their article, Campos et al ( 2017 ) concluded that the highest values of anaerobic contribution in competitive swimming occur at the 200 and 400 m distances and are decisive in performances below 400 m. This is an important contribution regarding the energy balance of different competitive events and subsequent training prescription. It is especially important because “swimmers spend a long training time improving specific metabolisms.” We fully agree since elite swimmers are engaged in two (or more) daily training sessions, 6/7 days a week, typically performing 10,000–20,000 m/day (Chatard and Stewart, 2011 ).…”

“…Campos et al ( 2017 ) referred some of the AOD limitations but, for assessing the anaerobic alactic contribution per se , they have determined the fast component of post-exercise VO 2 through the backward extrapolation technique, allowing “maintaining the ecological validity of measurements and increasing the results applicability.” That methodology has been severely criticized, since it is an indirect technique and includes errors derived from a delay at the onset of VO 2 recovery (Pinna et al, 2012 ; Chaverri et al, 2016 ). We know from experience (Laffite et al, 2004 ) the difficulty of assuring that swimmers successfully hold their breath completely at the swim end, especially when exercise is all-out and supramaximal.…”