Kick frequency affects the energy cost of aquatic locomotion in elite monofin swimmers

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of kick frequency (K(F)) on the energy cost of aquatic locomotion in elite monofin (Mf) swimmers at the surface. Eight subjects of international calibre (4 females, 4 males) were requested to perform in a 50-m outdoor swimming pool: (1) a continuous multi-stage incremental test to determine maximal physiological responses and (2) a submaximal exercise composed of five constant Mf-swimming tests (600-m exercise, 5-min rest) at an intensity corresponding to 90% of the velocity at the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). The first submaximal Mf-swimming test was systematically conducted at a freely chosen K(F) (FCK(F)) and the other tests were performed at FCK(F) - 15%, FCK(F) - 10%, FCK(F) + 10% and FCK(F) + 20% in a random order. No significant effect of K(F) on ventilation, heart rate and blood lactate concentration was observed throughout the submaximal Mf-swimming tests. However, mean values in Ec or fraction of VO2max were significantly lower during the FCK(F) + 10% condition as compared to those observed during the FCK(F) - 15% (-11.5 and -9.6%, respectively, P < 0.05) and FCK(F) - 10% (-10.4 and -9.3%, respectively, P < 0.05) conditions. In conclusion, the lack of significant differences between FCK(F) + 10% and FCK(F) or FCK(F) + 20% does not allow to identify a specific trend, but suggests the occurrence of an energetically optimal K(F) close to that freely chosen by the Mf swimmers. Variations in muscle activity level and active drag have been hypothesized to explain the observed differences in Ec consecutive to the selection of various K(F).

Effect of imposing changes in kick frequency on kinematics during undulatory underwater swimming at maximal effort in male swimmers

“…Thus, there is a possibility that the optimal value existed near the preferred f and A combination that swimmers chose during UUS (Boitel et al, 2010).…”

Mermaid health — identifying health issues related to mermaiding

“…A reasonable comparison could be made with what is done in the field of monofin research. The average size of the samples of the 5 most recent papers available on PubMed on monofin swimming (search performed on PubMed using "monofin" as keyword, last consulted December 2, 2016) was of 7.6 ± ± 5.4 [8][9][10][11][12]. Therefore, the sample size of the present study was considered as an acceptable target.…”

Kick Frequency and Velocity Finswimming Analysis In Surface 100 Meter Number Reviewed From Stiffness Monofins Hard and Stiffness Monofins Exstra Hard Characteristics

“…Thus, the discussion of stiffness monofins is still very deep. According to Boitel et al, (2010) kick frequency is one of the visible indicators that can be taken into consideration for coaches to see the characteristics of athletes. The kick frequency performed by the athlete must be able to reflect the number of characteristics possessed by the athlete, thus the evaluation carried out by the coach can be carried out as quickly as possible when the athlete makes a mistake during the exercise.…”