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Critical Swim Speed

Mathematical and physiological reference for Critical Swim Speed (CSS), the swimming analogue of Critical Power, derived from the slope of distance-vs-time linearity across two or more maximal time-trials. Documents the standard 200/400 m two-trial protocol, the relationship between CSS and the Maximal Lactate Steady State, the boundary conditions where the math overestimates the true sustainable speed, the pool-to-open-water adjustment factor, and the periodization heuristics for CSS-anchored set prescription.

Academy/physiology

Mathematical and physiological reference for Critical Swim Speed (CSS), the swimming analogue of Critical Power, derived from the slope of distance-vs-time linearity across two or more maximal time-trials. Documents the standard 200/400 m two-trial protocol, the relationship between CSS and the Maximal Lactate Steady State, the boundary conditions where the math overestimates the true sustainable speed, the pool-to-open-water adjustment factor, and the periodization heuristics for CSS-anchored set prescription.

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References

  • Wakayoshi K, Ikuta K, Yoshida T, Udo M, Moritani T, Mutoh Y, Miyashita M (1992). Determination and validity of critical velocity as an index of swimming performance in the competitive swimmer. Eur J Appl Physiol 64:153-157. doi: 10.1007/BF00717952 · PMID 1555562
  • Dekerle J, Brickley G, Hammond AJP, Pringle JSM, Carter H (2005). Validity of the two-parameter model in estimating the anaerobic work capacity. Eur J Appl Physiol 96:257-264. doi: 10.1055/s-2004-830335 · PMID 16195983
  • Jones AM, Vanhatalo A (2017). The 'Critical Power' concept: applications to sports performance with a focus on intermittent high-intensity exercise. Sports Med 47 Suppl 1:65-78. doi: 10.1007/s40279-017-0688-0 · PMID 28332113
  • Poole DC, Burnley M, Vanhatalo A, Rossiter HB, Jones AM (2016). Critical Power: an important fatigue threshold in exercise physiology. Med Sci Sports Exerc 48:2320-2334. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000000939 · PMID 27031742
  • Toussaint HM, Truijens M (2005). Biomechanical aspects of peak performance in human swimming. Anim Biol 55:17-40. doi: 10.1186/2046-7648-3-2 · PMID 24572428