title: Influence of kick frequency on metabolic efficiency and performance at a severe intensity in international monofin-swimmers.
abstract: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of kick frequency on metabolic efficiency and performance in elite monofin-swimmers at the surface. Seven participants of international calibre were requested to perform three separate time limit exercises conducted at an intensity corresponding to 97.5% of the velocity at the maximal oxygen uptake. The first Time Limit exercise was systematically conducted at a freely chosen kick frequency (FCK(F)) and the other Time Limit exercises were performed in random order at FCK(F)-10% and FCK(F) + 10%. The slow component of oxygen uptake (VO2sc) was identified independently of the Time Limit exercise (ranging from 180 to 243 ml · min(-1), P < 0.05). No significant change in energy cost of aquatic locomotion (ranging from 565 to (596 J · m(-1)) and [VO2sc) responses was observed between the three Time Limit exercises. An increase or decrease of 10% of the FCK(F) was associated with a significant reduction in Time Limit of -47.3% and -49.1%, respectively (P < 0.05). The analysis of the Time Limit exercise indicates that the selection of kick frequency other than FCK(F) is detrimental to overall monofin-swimming performance. Furthermore, the study results showed that the indicators of metabolic efficiency such as energy cost or [VO2sc) do not determine the performance response in elite monofin-swimmers at a severe intensity.
authors.affiliation: LAHMESS, UFR STAPS, Université de Nice Sophia Antipolis, 261 route de Grenoble, 06205 Nice Cedex 2, France. vercruyssen@univ-tln.fr
authors.forename: Fabrice
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Vercruyssen
authors.forename: Guillaume
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Boitel
authors.forename: Morgan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Alberty
authors.forename: Xavier
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Nesi
authors.forename: Lionel
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bourdon
authors.forename: Jeanick
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Brisswalter
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D056352:Athletes; D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology; D013550:Swimming / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D019344:Lactic Acid