Pinna, M., Milia, R., Roberto, S., Marongiu, E., Olla, S., Loi, A., Ortu, M., Migliaccio, G. M., Tocco, F., Concu, A., & Crisafulli, A. (2013). Assessment of the specificity of cardiopulmonary response during tethered swimming using a new snorkel device. Journal of Physiological Science, 63, 7-16.

This study compared maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), maximal heart rate, and anaerobic threshold obtained from tethered swimming and three other testing activities: cycling, running, and arm-cranking. Trained male swimmers (N = 12) wore a modified snorkel system to allow expired gas collection during swimming.

Ss exhibited a higher VO2max during the tethered swimming test when compared to the cycling and arm-cranking tests. There was no significant difference in VO2max between the swimming and running tests. A Bland and Altman plot highlighted a poor agreement between results. Anaerobic threshold occurred at higher workloads during swimming than in the other tests.

Implication. No non-specific testing procedures should be used to estimate maximal oxygen uptake, maximal heart rate, and anaerobic threshold in swimming.

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