title: The effect of even, positive and negative pacing on metabolic, kinematic and temporal variables during breaststroke swimming.
abstract: The aim of this investigation was to determine the effect of even, negative and positive pacing on metabolic, kinematic and temporal variables during breaststroke swimming. Nine male swimmers [mean (SD): age 21 (3) years, height 178 (5) cm, body mass 77.2 (6.7) kg, 200 m-time 158.6 (13.6) s] completed a 200-m breaststroke time trial and then 72 h later three paced (even, positive, negative) 175-m breaststroke swims in random order, 48 h apart. The swimmers paced accurately in all trials. The evenly paced trial produced lower post-exercise peak blood lactate and rating of perceived exertion values compared to the positively paced trial ( P<0.05). Peak oxygen uptake was not significantly different between trials ( P>0.05). Heart rate immediately following exercise was lower in the negatively paced trial ( P<0.05) than the other paced trials. Stroke rates were lower during the first half of the evenly and negatively paced trials compared to the positively paced trial ( P<0.01), but no differences were observed between the second half of the trials. Across all trials the stroke count increased as the trials progressed ( P<0.01). Turning times were observed to be shorter during the first half of the positively paced trial compared to the other paced trials ( P<0.01). Even paced swimming appears to be less physically stressful than positively paced swimming during high intensity exercise, as indicated by a lower post-exercise blood lactate concentration, perceived exertion and variability within turning times.
authors.affiliation: School of Sport, PE and Recreation, University of Wales Institute Cardiff, Cyncoed campus, Cyncoed Road, Cardiff, Wales CF23 6XD, UK. kevin.thompson@sportengland.org
authors.forename: K G
authors.initials: KG
authors.lastname: Thompson
authors.forename: D P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: MacLaren
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lees
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Atkinson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D006801:Humans; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D005082:Physical Exertion; D012649:Self Concept; D013550:Swimming / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D019344:Lactic Acid