Huang, Z., Kurobe, K., Nishiwaki, M., Ozawa, G., Tanaka, T., Taguchi, N., & Ogita, F. (2010). Relationship between propelling efficiency and swimming performance in elite swimmers. A paper presented at the XIth International Symposium for Biomechanics and Medicine in Swimming, Oslo, June 16–19, 2010.

This study examined the relationship between propelling efficiency and swimming performance in elite Japanese swimmers (N = 9). Active drag was measured directly. Simultaneous measurement of oxygen uptake (VO2) enabled the establishment of the relationship between the rate of the energy expenditure (PVO2) and propulsion. Maximum-effort swimming performances were over 50, 100, 200, and 400 m.

Mechanical efficiency was ~10% and propelling efficiency ~71%. Individual propelling efficiency values were significantly related to individual swimming performances for 200 and 400 m but not 50 and 100 m.

Implication. The propelling efficiency of ~71% is comparably higher than reported previously. Propelling efficiency is more important for determining swimming performance for middle and long-distance events rather than short-distance events.

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