This study aimed to examine the relationship between the maximal lactate accumulation rate (ċLamax) and sprint performance parameters in male competitive swimmers. Seventeen male competitive swimmers volunteered to perform a 20 m maximal front crawl sprint without pushing off the wall from a floating position. ċLamax was determined by the 20-m sprint time and blood lactate measured before and after the 20 m sprint. For the sprint performance parameter, a 50 m time trial with the front crawl swimming stroke was conducted, and the times taken from 0 to 15 m, 15-25 m, 25-35 m, and 35-45 m were analyzed. A semi-tethered swimming test was conducted to investigate the load-velocity profile of each swimmer. From the load-velocity profile, theoretical maximal velocity (V0), maximal load (L0) and relative maximal load (rL0) were examined. The slope of the load-velocity profile was also determined. According to the results, ċLamax correlated with 50 m front crawl performance (r = -.546, p < .05). Moreover, a higher ċLamax was related to faster 0-35 m section time. Furthermore, ċLamax correlated with L0 (r = .837, p < .01), rL0 (r = .820, p < .01), and load-velocity slope (r = .804, p < .01). ċLamax is a good indicator of 50 m front crawl performance in male swimmers, and higher glycolytic power contributes to the faster time at the beginning of the sprint race. ċLamax could also evaluate the ability of a swimmer to apply force to the water during high-intensity swimming.
Read full abstract