INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary function does not appear to place a limit on maximal exercise in most physical activities. However; in competitive swimming, the postures and movements that are required to properly execute many different strokes often impedes the ventilatory muscles and the ability of the body to properly ventilate the lungs and consume oxygen. Some theorists have proposed that contracting abdominal muscles and other lower trunk muscles will reduce resistance on the swimmer`s body and increase performance while swimming the Crawl Stroke. METHODS: Thirteen participants involved in swimming activities (8 Males, 5 Females) ages 22-60 years of age volunteered for evaluation of their VC, MVV, FVC1 and resting VO2 and VCO2 under the two differing postural conditions. The participants were studied under both conditions, which were with muscles at rest Control Condition (CC) and participants with their abdominal muscles and erector spinae statically contracted Experimental Condition (EC). Each participant was measured on a Spirometrics Flowmate III Spirometer for pulmonary functions and a metabolic cart for RVO2 and RCO2. There was a 3 minute rest between counter-balanced trials for all measurements. All participant pulmonary functions and resting RVO2 were expressed relative to their age, body weight and height. RESULTS: An ANOVA revealed significantly lower differences in VC, MVV and FVC1 during EC compared to CC. The EC also resulted in significantly higher oxygen consumption values for these participants. There were no significant differences observed in CO2 between EC and CC. DISCUSSION: Since there is no proof that these muscle contractions actually decrease resistance on the swimmers` body and that ventilatory functions were significantly diminished while oxygen utilization requirements were significantly increased, we suggest these alterations in body mechanics are not conducive to improving performances during Crawl Stroke swimming.
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