Is Time Limit at the Minimum Swimming Velocity of V̇O2 Max Influenced by Stroking Parameters?

The aim of this study was to observe the relationship between time limit at the minimum velocity that elicits maximal oxygen consumption (TLim-v V̇O2 max) and stroke rate, stroke length, and stroke index. 13 men and 10 women, highly trained swimmers, performed an intermittent incremental test for v V̇O2 max assessment and an all-out swim to estimate TLim-v V̇O2 max. The mean ± SD TLim-v V̇O2 max, v V̇O2 max, stroke rate, stroke length, and stroke index values were 233.36 ± 53.92 sec., 1.40 ± .06 meter/sec., 35.58 ± 2.89 cycles/min., 2.39 ± .22 meter/cycle, and 3.36 ± .41 meter2/(cycle · sec.), respectively. The correlation between TLim-v V̇O2 max and stroke rate was –.51 (p < .01), and values for TLim-v V̇O2 max with stroke length (r = .52, p < .01) and stroke index (r = 45, p < .05). These results seem to suggest that technical skill is a key factor in typical efforts requiring prolonged aerobic power.

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