Physiological Responses and Stroke Variables during Arm Stroke Swimming Using Critical Stroke Rate in Competitive Swimmers

The current study examined the physiological responses and stroke variables at critical stroke rate (CSR), 105% CSR, and 110% CSR in order to utilize CSR for prescription arm stroke swimming. Nine male national-level collegiate swimmers performed an all-out 200 m and 400 m for determining the CSR. Participants performed three sets of 6 × 100 m (with 10 s of rest between each bout), the stroke rate for each set was enforced at CSR, 105% CSR, and 110% CSR. Mean swimming velocity, heart rate, and rate of perceived exertion were found to increase with each set (p < 0.05). Blood lactate concentration did not differ between the CSR and the 105% CSR (3.3 ± 1.4 vs. 3.5 ± 1.5 mmol/L) but was higher in 110% CSR (5.1 ± 1.6 mmol/L) than in the other two sets (p < 0.05). There was no difference in the stroke rate between all bouts in each set, and the stroke length did not change from the second to sixth bout in each set. This study suggested that training intensity for CSR and 105% CSR correspond to threshold level, and 110% CSR corresponds to high-intensity training level. It was also suggested that training in the CSR–110% CSR range could be performed without regard to SL reduction.