The aim of this study was to examine the effect of kick frequency on metabolic efficiency and performance in elite monofin-swimmers at the surface. Seven participants of international calibre were requested to perform three separate Time Limit exercises conducted at an intensity corresponding to 97.5% of the velocity at the maximal oxygen uptake. The first Time Limit exercise was systematically conducted at a freely chosen kick frequency (FCKF) and the other Time Limit exercises were performed in random order at FCKF-10% and FCKF + 10%. The slow component of oxygen uptake (VO2sc) was identified independently of the Time Limit exercise (ranging from 180 to 243 ml/min, P < 0.05). No significant change in energy cost of aquatic locomotion (ranging from 565 to (596 J/m) and VO2sc responses was observed between the three Time Limit exercises. An increase or decrease of 10% of the FCKF was associated with a significant reduction in Time Limit of -47.3% and -49.1%, respectively (P < 0.05). The analysis of the Time Limit exercise indicates that the selection of kick frequency other than FCKF is detrimental to overall monofin-swimming performance. Furthermore, the study results showed that the indicators of metabolic efficiency such as energy cost or VO2sc do not determine the performance response in elite monofin-swimmers at a severe intensity.
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