Relationship between VO2max, under Water Swim Testing and Artistic Swim Solo Performance

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between: 1) laboratory-determined cycling peak oxygen consumption (VO2max) and AS performance in a new underwater swim test (UWST), and 2) cycling VO2max and ventilatory threshold (VT) in cycling and performance score during a simulated AS solo routine. Trained artistic swimmers (n=15, 15.8±0.8 yrs., height: 169.1±5.4 cm, body mass: 57.1±6.3 kg) completed (1) a maximal incremental cycle test to exhaustion to determine VO2max, (2) the UWST which comprised 275 m of freestyle and underwater breaststroke, and (3) a simulated solo competition where artistic swimming elements were evaluated by five FINA judges. There was a significant correlation between mean element score and (i) VO2max (48±4 mL. kg.min−1, r=0.44, p=0.05), and (ii) UWST (r=−0.64, p=0.005). However, there was an insignificant relationship between cycling ventilatory threshold and mean element score (r=–0.36, p=0.10). In addition, the results demonstrate a significant relationship between HR at the ventilatory threshold and peak HR of the UWST (r=–0.64, p=0.014). The results of this study demonstrate that VO2max is an important determinant of AS performance. In addition, the UWST appears to be a useful indicator of AS performance.

Metabolic and Performance Responses to a Simulated Routine in Elite Artistic Swimmers

“…In addition VO2peak is also related to a number of blood related parameters reflecting the metabolic status of the athlete during the routine. The very limited data available examining the significance of VO2peak in artistic swimming have found significant relationships between solo performances [15,16] as well as high levels in elite performing swimmers compared to lower level counterparts [8,15]. Data from this present study supports these findings, and indicates that a more favorable metabolic environment occurs in athletes with a higher aerobic capacity.…”

“…This is important consideration for the preparation of AS and the planning of their training. In addition to the findings the study supports the idea that VO2max during land based test is similar to that in a simulated artistic event and can be used as a surrogate measure of AS performance [8]. This is the first study in elite AS athletes to examine the relationship between performancebased parameters such as movement frequency and the metabolic responses to a simulated competitive AS routine.…”

“…These studies in elite AS have also shown the blood lactate response (indicative of a greater anaerobic energy contribution) is influenced by the UW, but also a function of the event (solo vs. team [6,7]. In addition there is a considerable hypercapnic response which is influenced by aerobic fitness level [8].…”

“…Therefore, aerobic capacity could be viewed as an important physiological factor influencing performance in AS. However, there has been some controversy as to the importance of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) in AS performers potentially due to the means with which this variable is measured (in water or on land) [8,[14][15][16].…”

A qualitative scale of the 6-minute race test to evaluate maximum aerobic speed in physically active people from 18 to 25 years

“…Specifically, one of the most representative variables of physical condition is maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) 4) . This parameter has been associated with both sports' performance 5) and better standards of living 6) . In this context, the maximum VO2 value is evidenced from a plateau that occurs in an individual when subjected to an incremental test until exhaustion 7) .…”