Matsunami, M., & Taimura, A. (2007). Influences of swimsuit design on swimming performance in competitive female swimmers. ACSM Annual Meeting New Orleans, Presentation Number, 1431.

This study examined the swimming speed, blood lactate, heart rate, perceptual response and stroke technique during freestyle swimming wearing a traditional body suit and a newly designed swimsuit. Competitive female swimmers (N = 6) swam a 200-m maximal freestyle trial in a 25-m indoor pool wearing a traditional body suit (BS) and a suit designed to cover the body from shoulder to ankle (LJ). Blood lactate concentration (BLa), heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured after the trial. Stroke counts were determined to calculate the arm stroke index (ASI) during swimming trials.

There were no significant differences in maximal swimming velocity, blood lactate concentration, heart rate, perceived exertion, and arm stroke index between the two conditions.

Implication. The new neck-to-ankle racing swimsuits produce no significant advantage over traditional suits. Considerable individual differences exist. Some individuals benefit from wearing such suits while others are disadvantaged.

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