The aim of this study was to access the P-tLim model in swimming, applying the load control available in full tethered swim condition. Its physiological meaning for the determination of boundary of heavy/severe domains was assessed from the relationships with critical velocity (CV), critical power (CP) and maximal lactate steady state (MLSS). The velocity at MLSS (vMLSS = 1.17 ± 0.11 m/s) and CV (1.19 ± 0.12 m/s) were significantly different. Similarly, the power at MLSS (pMFEL = 89.2 ± 15.1 W) and CP (99.4 ± 22.9 W) were significantly different. There was no difference between lactate concentration at vMLSS (3.54 ± 0.9 mM) and pMLSS (3.76 ± 0.6 mM). Significant Pearson's coefficients (r > 0.70) were observed among vMLSS and P MLSS with their respective values on time-limited model. Thus, the tethered-crawl condition seems to be valid to determine the boundary of heavy/severe domains, and to access the aerobic capacity of swimmers.
Front-crawl swim style; Critical power; Critical velocity; Maximal lactate steady-state
