Reer, R., Ramcke, C., Rudolph, K., & Braumann, K. M. (2002). Differences in swim economy and metabolic-cardiocirculatory parameters between endurance and sprint swimmers. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 34(5), Supplement abstract 1339.

Male sprint (N = 18) and endurance (N = 18) swimmers performed a standardized swim in a swimming flume.

Endurance swimmers showed lower VO2 values at low intensities and higher values at high intensities than sprinters. Sprinters used less oxygen for performance at higher velocities. Individual anaerobic thresholds were lower for endurance swimmers than sprinters.

Implication. Swimming economy was best in both groups when they performed at their characteristic swimming velocities. Endurance swimmers are most economical when swimming at velocities that are slower than when sprinters are most economical.

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