The aim of this study was to observe the relationship between time limit at the minimum velocity that elicits maximal oxygen consumption (TLim-VO2max) and stroke rate, stroke length, and stroke index. 13 men and 10 women, highly trained swimmers, performed an intermittent incremental test for v V02 max assessment and an all-out swim to estimate TLim-v V02 max. The mean ± SD TLim-v V02max, v V02 max, stroke rate, stroke length, and stroke index values were 233.36 ± 53.92 sec., 1.40 ± .06 meter/sec., 35.58 ± 2.89 cycles/min., 2.39 ±.22 meter/cycle, and
3.36 ±.41 meter2/(cycle• sec.), respectively. The correlation between TLim-v V02 max and stroke rate was -.51 (p<0.1), and values for TLim•v V02 max with stroke length (r = 52, p< 0.1 and stroke index (r = .45, p< .05). These results seem to suggest that technical skill is a key factor in typical efforts requiring prolonged aerobic power.
