The effect of different swiming suits on performance during two swimming intensities - doi: 10.4025/reveducfis.v21i4.9120

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of a swimming suit (fastswim) on technical, psychological and physiological parameters in comparison to a conventional swimming suit (lycra). Eight swiming athletes (between 18 and 25 years-old) were assessed for: mean speed, stroke length, stroke frequency, efficiency index, reported perceived exertion, heart rate and blood lactate. Descriptive (median and interquartile range) and inferential statistics (Wilcoxon test) were applied using a significance level of 5%. During the maximal test wearing the fastswim, subjects presented a 2% higher performance. In addition, efficiency index and reported perceived exertion increased. In sub-maximal intensity, stroke frequency and reported perceived exertion were reduced, while the length of the stroke and the efficiency index were increased. No significant differences were found in the physiological parameters. It was concluded a positive effect of the swimming suit on performance for maximal and sub-maximal speeds..