Baltaci, G., & Ergun, N. (1997). Effect of endurance training on maximal aerobic power of competitive swimmers. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 29(5), Supplement abstract 1260.

This study assessed the effect of endurance training on blood lactate concentration in college swimmers (M = 7; F = 7). Training intensity was centered on work that would yield 4 mM of steady-state blood lactate. Training lasted for six months.

The following were found.

• VO2max increased by 18 percent.
• Ventilation (19%), heart rate (12%), respiratory exchange ratio (5%), and lactic acid concentration (26%) significantly decreased during a maximal exercise test after training.

Training that corresponded to 4mM of lactate concentration produced an improvement in anaerobic threshold as well as VO2max.

Implication. Performing group training at an intensity equivalent to 4mM will improve the aerobic dynamics of swimming. However, it must be remembered that not all swimmers will respond to this training stimulation in this way.

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