Work

Reliability of novel diagnostic protocols for metabolic performance determinants in swimming

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Objectives While reliable performance diagnostics are crucial for guiding training and detecting small changes in swimming performance, the reliability of existing protocols remains insufficiently evaluated. Design Test–retest study. Method Twenty-four swimmers and triathletes of both sexes completed a 20-s sprint to assess anaerobic power (i.e., maximal lactate accumulation rate [ċLa max ], peak lactate concentration [La peak ]) and a 3-min step test (ST) to evaluate aerobic performance indicators (i.e., post-exercise peak oxygen uptake [V̇O 2peak ], cost of swimming [C s ], speed at lactate thresholds [v LT1 , v LT2 ] and in the final step [v peak ], alongside corresponding heart rate [HR]) on three separate days (within 3 wks). Reliability and agreement were examined using (among others) intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC 2,1), typical error (TE), and TE to smallest worthwhile change (SWC) ratio, indicating sensitivity. Results The sprint demonstrated moderate reliability for ċLa max (ICC: 0.625–0.728) and La peak (ICC: 0.705–0.749), with high TEs of 11.8–16.8% and 9.7–12.0%, respectively. Although familiarization improved reliability, sensitivity remained inadequate (TE/SWC: ≥ 1.23). The ST exhibited good to excellent reliability (mixed sensitivity) across all parameters. V̇O 2peak (ICC: 0.829–0.963, TE: 3.8–7.1%, TE/SWC: 1.02–1.83) and C s (ICC: 0.884–0.952, TE: 3.8–5.7%, TE/SWC: 0.83–1.17) aligned with HR-corrected values. v LT1 , v LT2 , and v peak showed excellent reliability (ICC: 0.971–0.990, TE: 0.8–1.4%) with adequate sensitivity (TE/SWC: 0.60–1.14), whereas HR measures were less reliable (ICC: 0.828–0.951, TE: 1.2–3.5%) and insufficiently sensitive (TE/SWC ≥ 1.60). Conclusion The ST provides a reliable method for assessing aerobic performance, with high sensitivity for lactate-based training intensity markers, but limited sensitivity for V̇O 2peak and HR. The 20-s sprint requires methodological refinement before practical application.

Source: Journal of science and medicine in sport

DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2026.03.021

Authors: Tinka Smolarek, Patrick Wahl, Sebastian Keller

Institution: German Sport University Cologne

Language: English

Topic: Sports Performance and Training

Subfield: Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,720