Abstract
The main purpose of this study was to identify whether a different protocol to achieve maximal heart rate should be used in sprinters when compared to middle-distance swimmers. As incorporating running training into swim training is gaining increased popularity, a secondary aim was to determine the difference in maximal heart rate between front crawl swimming and running among elite swimmers. Twelve elite swimmers (4 female and 8 male, 7 sprinters and 5 middle-distance, age 18.8 years and body mass index 22.9 kg/m2) swam three different maximal heart rate protocols using a 50 m, 100 m and 200 m step-test protocol followed by a maximal heart rate test in running. There were no differences in maximal heart rate between sprinters and middle-distance swimmers in each of the swimming protocols or between land and water (all p ≥ 0.05). There were no significant differences in maximal heart rate beats-per-minute (bpm) between the 200 m (mean ± SD; 192.0 ± 6.9 bpm), 100 m (190.8 ± 8.3 bpm) or 50 m protocol (191.9 ± 8.4 bpm). Maximal heart rate was 6.7 ± 5.3 bpm lower for swimming compared to running (199.9 ± 8.9 bpm for running; p = 0.015). We conclude that all reported step-test protocols were suitable for achieving maximal heart rate during front crawl swimming and suggest that no separate protocol is needed for swimmers specialized on sprint or middle-distance. Further, we suggest conducting sport-specific maximal heart rate tests for different sports that are targeted to improve the aerobic capacity among the elite swimmers of today.
Highlights
Training planning and implementation consists of three key components: frequency, duration and intensity
We conclude that all reported step-test protocols were suitable for achieving maximal heart rate during front crawl swimming and suggest that no separate protocol is needed for swimmers specialized on sprint or middle-distance
As there were no significant difference in maximum HR (maxHR) between the tests, we suggest that the maxHR test should be selected according to personal preference
Summary
Training planning and implementation consists of three key components: frequency, duration and intensity. While frequency and duration are simple to monitor, monitoring training intensity is more difficult. Training intensity can be determined by ventilatory and metabolic thresholds [1]. Using gas analyzers to measure ventilatory threshold zones is a non-invasive technique, but contains disadvantages related to cost and equipment constraints, which makes it difficult to apply and operate in training conditions, especially during swimming [1]. Measuring lactate can be expensive and time consuming for monitoring daily intensity. It is, crucial that other less complex and inexpensive methods can be used to monitor the daily training intensity [2], such as speed, rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and heart rate (HR) [3]
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