Effects of Varying Post Warm-Up Recovery Time on 200m Time Trial Swim Performance

It has been proposed that warm up prior to athletic competition may enhance performance through affecting various physiological parameters. Little quantitative data exists on physiological responses to the warm up, and the data which has been reported is inconclusive. Similarly, it has been suggested that varying the recovery period following a standardized warm-up may affect subsequent performance. PURPOSE: To determine the effects of varying post warm-up recovery time on subsequent 200m swimming time trial. METHODS: Ten national caliber swimmers (5 male, 5 female) each swam a 1500m warm-up and performed a 200m time trial of specialty stroke following either 10 or 45 minutes of passive recovery. Subjects completed one time trial in each condition separated by one week in a counter – balanced order. Blood lactate and heart rate were measured immediately following warm-up, three minutes prior to race, immediately following race and three minutes post race. Rate of perceived exertion was measured immediately following warm-up and race. RESULTS: Time trial performance was significantly improved following 10 min as opposed to 45 min recovery (136.80 ±20.38s vs. 138.69 ± 20.32s, p<0.05). There were no significant difference between conditions for heart rate and blood lactate following the warm-up. However, pre-race heart rate was higher in the 10 min compared to the 45 min rest condition (109 ± 14bpmvs. 94 ±21 bpm, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: A post warm-up recovery time of 1 0min rather than 45min is more beneficial to 200m swimming time trial performance.