title: Energy cost of swimming of elite long-distance swimmers.
abstract: The aim of this study was: (1) to assess the energy cost of swimming (C(s), kJ km(-1)) in a group of male (n = 5) and female (n = 5) elite swimmers specialised in long-distance competitions; (2) to evaluate the possible effect of a 2-km trial on the absolute value of C(s). C(s) was assessed during three consecutive 400-m trials covered in a 50-m pool at increasing speeds (v1, v2, v3). After these experiments the subjects swam a 2-km trial at the 10-km race speed (v2km) after which the three 400-m trials were repeated at the same speed as before (v5 = v1, v6 = v2, v7 = v3). C(s) was calculated by dividing the net oxygen uptake at steady state VO2ss by the corresponding average speed (v, m s(-1)). VO2ss was estimated by using back extrapolation technique from breath-to-breath VO2 recorded during the first 30 s of recovery after each test. C(s) increased (from 0.69 kJ m(-1) to 1.27 kJ m(-1)) as a function of v (from 1.29 m s(-1) to 1.50 m s(-1)), its values being comparable to those measured in elite short distance swimmers at similar speeds. In both groups of subjects the speed maintained during the 2-km trial (v2km) was on the average only 1.2% faster than of v2 and v6 (P>0.05), whereas C(s) assessed at the end of the 2-km trial (v2km) turned out to be 21 +/- 26% larger than that assessed at v2 and v6 (P<0.05); the average stroke frequency (SF, cycles min(-1)) during the 2-km trial turned to be about 6% (P<0.05) faster than that assessed at v2 and v6. At v5, C(s) turned out to be 19 +/- 9% (P<0.05) and 22 +/- 27% (0.1 < P = 0.05) larger than at v1 in male and female subjects (respectively). SF was significantly faster (P<0.05, in male subjects) and the distance per stroke (Ds = v/SF) significantly shorter (P<0.05) in female subjects at v5 and v6 than at v1 and v2. These data suggest that the increase of C(s) found after the 2-km trial was likely related to a decrease in propelling efficiency, since the latter is related to the distance per stroke.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Udine, P.le M. Kolbe, 4, 33100 Udine, Italy.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Zamparo
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bonifazi
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Faina
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Milan
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Sardella
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Schena
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Capelli
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008954:Models, Biological; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology*; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology*; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000502:physiology*; D012737:Sex Factors; D013550:Swimming / Q000502:physiology*