[Effects of swimming with a wet suit on energy expenditure during subsequent cycling]

Can J Appl Physiol. 2003 Jun;28(3):356-69. doi: 10.1139/h03-026.
[Article in French]

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of swimming with a wetsuit on energy expenditure during subsequent cycling. Nine well-trained triathletes underwent three submaximal trials. The first trial (SC) consisted of a 750-m swim realised at a competition pace, followed by a 10-min cycling exercise at a power output corresponding to the ventilatory threshold . The two other trials were composed of the same cycling exercise, preceded either by a 750-m swim with a wetsuit (WSC) or by a cycling warm-up (Ctrl). The main results are that the WSC trial was characterised by significantly lower swimming cadence (-14%), heart rate (-11%), and lactate values (-47%) compared to the SC trial, p < 0.05. Moreover, cycling efficiency was significantly higher in the WSC trial compared to the SC trial (12.1% difference, p < 0.05). The lower relative intensity observed during swimming with a wetsuit suggest the relative importance of swimming condition on the total performance in a sprint triathlon.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anaerobic Threshold
  • Bicycling* / physiology
  • Energy Metabolism*
  • Heart Rate / physiology
  • Humans
  • Lactic Acid / blood
  • Oxygen Consumption / physiology
  • Physical Endurance
  • Protective Devices*
  • Respiratory Mechanics
  • Running
  • Sports Equipment*
  • Swimming* / physiology

Substances

  • Lactic Acid