Does VO2 peak and anaerobic power have an impact on D3 swimming performance?
Location
Hopwood Auditorium
Access Type
Campus Access Only
Presentation Type
Oral presentation
Entry Number
113
Start Date
4-16-2026 2:00 PM
End Date
4-16-2026 2:15 PM
School
School of Medicine and Health Sciences
Department
Exercise Physiology
Abstract
Swimming uses water resistance and coordinated movements of the arms and legs to propel the body forward, with four competitive strokes—freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly—each using different interactions between the limbs. These strokes are competed at distances from 50 to 200 yards/meters, with freestyle strokes extending to a mile. Sprint and mid-distance events rely first on the phosphocreatine system for 10–14 seconds, then on non-oxidative glycolysis for about two minutes, and as race time increases beyond two to three minutes the body shifts into oxidative glycolysis, making VO₂max an important factor in performance. Physiological, technical, and somatic variables also influence performance. Lean muscle mass improves strength production and aerobic fitness. The purpose of this study is to compare physiological and anthropometric factors—including VO₂peak, strength, and body composition—to determine which best predict Division III swimming performance. We hypothesize that body composition will negatively correlate with swim performance, yet all other measures will positively correlate.
Primary Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. Sean Collins
Primary Faculty Mentor(s) Department
Exercise Physiology
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Does VO2 peak and anaerobic power have an impact on D3 swimming performance?
Hopwood Auditorium
Swimming uses water resistance and coordinated movements of the arms and legs to propel the body forward, with four competitive strokes—freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly—each using different interactions between the limbs. These strokes are competed at distances from 50 to 200 yards/meters, with freestyle strokes extending to a mile. Sprint and mid-distance events rely first on the phosphocreatine system for 10–14 seconds, then on non-oxidative glycolysis for about two minutes, and as race time increases beyond two to three minutes the body shifts into oxidative glycolysis, making VO₂max an important factor in performance. Physiological, technical, and somatic variables also influence performance. Lean muscle mass improves strength production and aerobic fitness. The purpose of this study is to compare physiological and anthropometric factors—including VO₂peak, strength, and body composition—to determine which best predict Division III swimming performance. We hypothesize that body composition will negatively correlate with swim performance, yet all other measures will positively correlate.