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Int J Sports Med 2013; 34(04): 336-344
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1321804
Training & Testing
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Is the New AquaTrainer® Snorkel Valid for VO2 Assessment in Swimming?

C. Baldari
1   Health Sciences Department, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, Rome, Italy
,
R. J. Fernandes
2   Centre of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
3   Porto Biomechanics Laboratory, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
,
M. Meucci
1   Health Sciences Department, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, Rome, Italy
,
J. Ribeiro
2   Centre of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
,
J.P. Vilas-Boas
2   Centre of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
3   Porto Biomechanics Laboratory, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
,
L. Guidetti
1   Health Sciences Department, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, Rome, Italy
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History



accepted after revision 09 June 2012

Publication Date:
05 October 2012 (online)

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Abstract

The Cosmed AquaTrainer® snorkel, in connection with the K4b2 analyzer, is the most recent instrument used for real time gas analysis during swimming. This study aimed to test if a new AquaTrainer® snorkel with 2 (SV2) or 4 (SV4) valves is comparable to a standard face mask (Mask) being valid for real time gas analysis under controlled laboratory and swimming pool conditions. 9 swimmers performed 2 swimming and 3 cycling tests at 3 different workloads on separate days. Tests were performed in random order, at constant exercise load with direct turbine temperature measurements, breathing with Mask, SV4 and SV2 while cycling, and with SV2 and SV4 while swimming. A high agreement was obtained using Passing – Bablok regression analysis in oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production, tidal volumes, pulmonary ventilation, expiratory fraction of oxygen and carbon dioxide, and heart rate comparing different conditions in swimming and cycling. Proportional and fixed differences were always rejected (95% CI always contained the value 1 for the slope and the 0 for the intercept). In conclusion, the new SV2 AquaTrainer® snorkel, can be considered a valid device for gas analysis, being comparable to the Mask and the SV4 in cycling, and to the SV4 in swimming.

Key words

respiratory valves - K4b2 - oxygen consumption - energetics
 

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