The Mechanics of Breathing during Swimming

This study aimed to compare Wb during freestyle swimming relative to cycling and to characterize the differences in the cardiorespiratory responses to swimming relative to cycling in the same individuals. Methods Eight collegiate swimmers (four men and four women, age = 22 ± 2 yr) performed an incremental swim test while tethered to a resistance apparatus. On a separate day, subjects performed an incremental cycle test. During swimming and cycling, metabolic and ventilatory parameters were measured using a customized metabolic cart, and inspired Wb was quantified using an esophageal balloon catheter. Results Swimming and cycling elicited statistically similar levels of peak oxygen uptake (3.87 ± 0.92 vs 4.20 ± 0.83 L·min−1, P = 0.143). However, peak minute ventilation (V˙E) (118 ± 3 vs 154 ± 25 L·min−1) and heart rate (164 ± 19 vs 183 ± 8 bpm) were significantly lower during swimming relative to cycling (both P
Source: Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise - Category: Sports Medicine Tags: APPLIED SCIENCES Source Type: research