V ˙ O 2 kinetics and tethered strength influence the 200-m front crawl stroke kinematics and speed in young male swimmers.

Background

The aim of this research was to examine the relationship between the fast component of oxygen consumption developed in 1-min V ˙ O 2 and force indices both measured in tethered swimming test and to assess the influence of the gathered indices on speed and swimming kinematics in 200-m front crawl race.

Methods

Forty-eight male swimmers (aged 13.5 ± 0.9 years old) participated in this study. Testing included 1) 1-min all-out front crawl tethered swimming while oxygen consumption (breath by breath) and tethered forces were measured, 2) 200-m front crawl race-like swimming featuring kinematic analysis, and 3) biological age (BA) examination.

Results

During the 1-min all-out tethered swimming test, a linear increase in oxygen consumption was observed. There were moderate to high partial correlations between particular periods of seconds in the 1-min V ˙ O 2 : 31-60, 41-60, and 51-60 and F max, F ave , and I ave of tethered swimming, while 41-60 and 51-60 V ˙ O 2 were moderately to highly interrelated with all the swimming speed indices and SI. The swimming speed indices significantly interplayed with SL, SI, F max, F ave , and I ave . Partial correlations were computed with BA control.

Conclusion

The ability of reaching a high level of V ˙ O 2 fast is essential for a swimmer's energy production at short- and middle-distance events. Reaching a high level of V ˙ O 2 significantly determines tethered strength and swimming kinematics. The level of V ˙ O 2 influences the maintenance of a proper pulling force and the stroke technique of front crawl swimming in young male swimmers.