Which of the Physiological vs. Critical Speed Is a Determinant of Modern Pentathlon 200 m Front Crawl Swimming Performance: The Influence of Protocol and Ergometer vs. Swimming Pool Conditions

Abstract

Background: Modern pentathlon includes horse riding, fencing, swimming, shooting and cross-country running. Events can last many hours during which the athletes face almost maximal energy and physiological demands, and fatigue. Early recognition and prevention of injuries and overuse syndromes can be achieved by refining the individual training loads. The purpose of the study was to determine which parameter could be the most accurate predictor of swimming working capacity determinants in pentathletes. Methods: Fourteen male pentathletes performed a continuous maximal incremental test in the swimming flume ergometer to measure peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), and five swimming tests in a 50 m swimming pool to detect critical velocity (CV); velocity at 2 and 4 mM·L−1 of blood lactate (v2, v4) and energy cost (EC). Results: The 200 m swimming time was 2:18–2:32 m:s (340 FINA points). CV was 1.21 ± 0.04 m·s−1, v2 was 1.14 ± 0.09 and v4 1.23 ± 0.08 m·s−1. VO2peak was 3540.1 ± 306.2 mL·min−1 or 48.8 ± 4.6 mL·kg−1·min−1. EC at 1.24 m·s−1 was 45.7 ± 2.4 mL·kg−1·min−1. Our main finding was the large correlation of CV with 200 m swimming performance; Conclusions: Among all the protocols analysed, CV is the most predictive and discriminative of individual swimming performance in this group of pentathletes. It appears as the most suitable test to constantly refine their swimming training loads for both performance enhancement and health promotion.

Reliability and Validity of a Flume-Based Maximal Oxygen Uptake Swimming Test

“…Therefore, these results may not be generalizable to a novice-level swimming population. Since maximal/peak physiological responses in water are comparatively different than land-based (i.e., cycle or treadmill) measures [ 13 , 18 , 30 , 31 ], an alternative paradigm was employed presently that utilized freestyle swimming performance time to establish “performance validity” as predicted by the swimming flume protocol. It was also expected that physiological responses to maximal swimming efforts in both the flume and pool were likewise controlled by the rate limiting links within the oxygen kinetic chain [ 30 , 31 ].…”

“…Recent studies using poolside and flume protocols have identified critical velocity and measures of swimming economy as accurate determinants of swimming performance. Although not a priority focus of the present investigation, these measures can accurately predict aerobic capacity and may demonstrate a greater utility and ability to assist with training program design than VO 2 max sw alone [ 13 , 18 , 40 , 41 , 42 ].…”

“…Studies have used swimming flume protocols to examine relationships between maximal oxygen uptake (VO 2 max sw ; mL·kg −1 ·min −1 ) and other variables such as critical velocity to explore flume and swimming performance with mixed results. This was due, in part, to a lack of a standardized swimming protocol, as well as the criterion swimming distances chosen [ 8 , 9 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ]. Despite its potential for test standardization, investigators have questioned a swimming flume’s utility and predictive validity due to a lack of uniform water flow and its effect on drag detected within the test basin [ 19 ].…”

Editorial: Training and performance in swimming

“…Eighty years later, in 1984, Synchronized Swimming joined the Olympics, while Marathon Swimming (10-km race for men and women) was included in 2008 (www.worldaquatics.com/about). In parallel, research in physiology applied to swimming emerged in the beginning of the 20th century, trying to answer several questions that have arisen over the years, particularly focusing on locomotion and its contribution to health and athletic performance (Liljestrand and Stenström, 1920;Zacca et al, 2020;Demarie et al, 2022).Although so-called "filtered evidence" such as systematic reviews and meta-analyses evaluate and synthesize the literature, they draw from the base of the pyramid, specifically randomized controlled trials -RCTs, cohort studies, and case reports. Narrative reviews, when authored by "Experts" in the field, can also offer valuable insights and contributions.…”

“…Eighty years later, in 1984, Synchronized Swimming joined the Olympics, while Marathon Swimming (10-km race for men and women) was included in 2008 ( www.worldaquatics.com/about ). In parallel, research in physiology applied to swimming emerged in the beginning of the 20th century, trying to answer several questions that have arisen over the years, particularly focusing on locomotion and its contribution to health and athletic performance ( Liljestrand and Stenström, 1920 ; Zacca et al, 2020 ; Demarie et al, 2022 ).…”