This study investigated the effects of very high-intensity, low-volume, sprint interval training (SIT) on metabolic, mechanical characteristics and swimming performance. Eleven well-trained college swimmers (male n=6; female n=5; age 20±1 yrs) performed SIT twice/day, 5 days/week, for 4 weeks in swimming flume. The SIT consisted of five 5 s bouts at an intensity which cause exhaustion in around 10 s (~250%VO2max) with a 10 s rest between each bout. Before and after the training period, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), maximal accumulated oxygen deficit (MAOD), swimming economy, drag-swimming speed relationship and maximal propulsive power (MPP) were determined. Furthermore, a swimming record on 50m freestyle event was determined. No significant changes were found in swimming economy and drag-swimming speed relationship. On the other hand, VO2max, MAOD, and MPP increased significantly (P<0.05). Consequently, the swimming record on 50m freestyle event was significantly improved (P<0.01). These results revealed that the SIT used in this study can enhance MPP as well as VO2max and MAOD, and consequently improve sprint swimming performance even in well-trained swimmers.
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