Energetics of swimming: a historical perspective.
The energy cost to swim a unit distance (C(sw)) is given by the ratio E/v where E is the net metabolic power and v is the swimming speed. The contribution of the aerobic and anaerobic energy sources to E in swimming competitions is independent of swimming style, gender or skill and depends essentially upon the duration of the exercise. C(sw) is essentially determined by the hydrodynamic resistance (W(d)): the higher W(d) the higher C(sw); and by the propelling efficiency (η(P)): the higher η(P) the lower C(sw). Hence, all factors influencing W(d) and/or η(P) result in proportional changes in C(sw). Maximal metabolic power E max and C(sw) are the main determinants of swimming performance; an improvement in a subject's best performance time can more easily be obtained by a reduction of C sw) rather than by an (equal) increase in E max (in either of its components, aerobic or anaerobic). These sentences, which constitute a significant contribution to today's knowledge about swimming energetics, are based on the studies that Professor Pietro Enrico di Prampero and his co-workers carried out since the 1970s. This paper is devoted to examine how this body of work helped to improve our understanding of this fascinating mode of locomotion.
Zamparo
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Dipartimento di Scienze Neurologiche e della Visione, Facoltà di Scienze Motorie, Università di Verona, via Casorati 43, 37141, Verona, Italy. paola.zamparo@univr.it
Capelli
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Pendergast
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D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena / Q000502:physiology; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000266:history; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D057446:Hydrodynamics; D008954:Models, Biological; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D013550:Swimming / Q000502:physiology*; D019415:Torque