Respiratory snorkel and valve system for breath‐by‐breath gas analysis in swimming

Abstract

The present study aimed to compare a standard facemask (CM) and a newly modified swimming snorkel and valve system (SV) for breath-by-breath (BxB) gas analysis (K4 b2, Cosmed, Rome, Italy), and to validate the system under controlled laboratory conditions before being used in swimming. Nine healthy males performed two bouts of a stepwise exercise on an electrically braked stationary bicycle on separate days. Ventilatory and gas exchange parameters were analyzed using the same BxB portable system, with subjects breathing alternatively through the two different valves. Agreement between both methods was evaluated by Passing-Bablok regression analysis. The gas exchange values measured using the SV were highly correlated with those obtained using the CM (R2 values >0.9). However, differences existed between the two series of measurements so that most ventilatory and gas exchange parameters were lower (3-7%) with the SV. The error when using the SV device was mainly systematic along the whole range of measurement. Accordingly, linear regression equations were developed to further improve the accuracy of the measures when using the SV. Therefore, the modified respiratory SV system can be considered as a valid device for collecting expired gas for BxB analysis, comparable to the standard facemask, with the advantage of being suitable for measurements during swimming.

Adaptação da máscara do analisador de gases VO2000 para mensuração de parâmetros cardiorrespiratórios em natação

“…The present study manually adapted the MASK of the VO2000 to a swimming SNK, using some measurement and analysis procedures similar to the ones used by Keskinen et al (6) . Although the drag coefficient had not been measured, the air tube of the SNK developed in the present investigation was designed in front of the swimmer's face and not on his side, as it is observed in conventional snorkels.…”

“…Initially, the gases collected during the efforts were stored in a Douglas bag (2)(3)(4) for later analysis. Afterwards, the measurements of these parameters were made easier with the development of gas analyzers with electronic sensors (5)(6) which enabled the acqui-…”

“…These snorkels were designed however for Douglas bag. Keskinen et al (6) validated in cycle ergometer a snorkel and a valve system for gas analysis breath to breath in swimming using the K4 gas analyzer.…”

Comparison Between Aerobic Power Parameters at Different Time- Averaging Intervals in Swimming: An Update

“…For a detailed description of the breathing snorkels used in the supra-maximal and maximal intensities cf. Keskinen et al [11] and Fernandes and Vilas-Boas [2], respectively. These respiratory snorkels and valve systems were previously considered to produce low hydrodynamic resistance and, therefore, not significantly affect the swimmers performance.…”

Bioenergetics Applied to Swimming: An Ecological Method to Monitor and Prescribe Training

“…Measuring VO 2max in swimming is always a great challenge (PELAYO et al 2007). This is due to the fact that conventional techniques interfere in swimming biomechanics (Keskinen et al 2003;Barbosa et al 2010), which performs the side breathing impossible, changes can occur in hydrodynamics, and most of the times the turns are not performed . Training programs, in order to develop aerobic power in swimmers, are related to the increase in VO 2max and the ability to use a high percentage of VO 2max for a long time.…”