ABSTRACT
The development of a specific protocol to detect swimming Maximum Heart Rate (HRmax) can qualify the prescription and control training in swimming. Thus, the aim of this study was to validate a specific test to obtain HRmax in swimming, to freestyle. Eleven male swimmers, college-level, swam the distances of 100 and 200 meters at maximum speed, with heart rate monitoring, through a cardiac monitor. The validity was evaluated by the relation between HRmax and lactate, and the reliability by test and retest of each distance. The HRmax of the 100 and 200 meters in the test was 187.6±7.23 and 187.6±7.54 bpm (p>0.05) and in the retest of 188.3±8.3 and 189.5±8 bpm (p>0.05). High correlation values were found for HRmax obtained and lactate concentration in both tests (100 and 200 meters). Significant positive correlations between test and retest showed the reliability of the tests (100 meters - 0.910, p<0.001 e 200 meters - 0.950, p<0.001). It is concluded that the proposed tests are capable of generating, with accuracy, the HRmax of college-level swimmers, being an important variable used to calculate training intensity zones and a tool to monitor the evolution of the athlete during the season.
Keywords:
Physical exercise; Cardiac response; Sports training; Physical test
