Strozberg, M. V., & Klar, A. B. (1998). Assisted cool down procedures in high performance swimmers. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 30(5), Supplement abstract 281.

The normal cool down of swimmers was compared to prescribed protocol that featured crawl stroke aerobic work, slow movements, and bilateral breathing, and termination when heart rate dropped below 110 bpm.

The assisted protocol produced energy conservation and lower levels of perceived exertion. Under the normal cool down all swimmers stopped too soon.

Implication. Most swimmers when performing cooling down routines do not gain optimal benefits. Cool down work should be aerobic, slow movement patterns, and terminated when heart rate is less that 110-100 bpm.

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