The relationship between maximal lactate accumulation rate and sprint performance parameters in male competitive swimmers

This study aimed to examine the relationship between the maximal lactate accumulation rate (ċLa_max) and sprint performance parameters in male competitive swimmers. Seventeen male competitive swimmers volunteered to perform a 20 m maximal front crawl sprint without pushing off the wall from a floating position. ċLa_max was determined by the 20-m sprint time and blood lactate measured before and after the 20 m sprint. For the sprint performance parameter, a 50 m time trial with the front crawl swimming stroke was conducted, and the times taken from 0 to 15 m, 15-25 m, 25-35 m, and 35-45 m were analyzed. A semi-tethered swimming test was conducted to investigate the load-velocity profile of each swimmer. From the load-velocity profile, theoretical maximal velocity (V₀), maximal load (L₀) and relative maximal load (rL₀) were examined. The slope of the load-velocity profile was also determined. According to the results, ċLa_max correlated with 50 m front crawl performance (r = -.546, p < .05). Moreover, a higher ċLa_max was related to faster 0-35 m section time. Furthermore, ċLa_max correlated with L₀ (r = .837, p < .01), rL₀ (r = .820, p < .01), and load-velocity slope (r = .804, p < .01). ċLa_max is a good indicator of 50 m front crawl performance in male swimmers, and higher glycolytic power contributes to the faster time at the beginning of the sprint race. ċLa_max could also evaluate the ability of a swimmer to apply force to the water during high-intensity swimming.