The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effect of swimming and cycling on the recovery of blood lactate kinetics, and sebsequent 1 min maximal exercise. Seven male trained subjects performed three 1 min exercise bouts, at approximately 130% Vo₂ max with 2 min rest periods between each work bout. The exercise protocol for each trial was identical, while the recovery following three 1 min maximal exercise bouts being rest (R : 60 min seated rest), cycling (C : 30 min at 40%Vo₂max)or swimming (S : 30 min breast stroke self-selected pace). Initial blood lactate concentration did not differ.
After three 1 min maximal exercise bouts, blood lactate concentration increased to 15.8 ± 2.1 mmol/l for S, 15.7 ± 2.4 mmol/l for C, and 16.8 ± 1.9 mmol/l for R respectively (P > 0.05). The decrease in blood lactate concentration in S was greater compared to other recoveries. They were significantly different at the 25, and 35 min points of the recovery period, between S and R, and the 35 min point between S and C. Blood lactate concentration during recovery was not significantly different between C and R. However power output during maximal exercise in S was smaller than in R. These data suggest that swimming recovery after maximal exercise bouts results in greater decrease of blood lactate concentration, but it isn't beneficial for subseqent 1 min maximal exercise performance.

DESCENTE SPORTS SCIENCE Vol.16/THE DESCENTE AND ISHIMOTO MEMORIAL FOUNDATION FOR THE PROMOTION SPORTS SCIENCE