The aim of the study was to establish whether limited pulmonary Ventilation due to biomechanical characteristics of front crawl swimming causes insufficient elimination of CO2 from the lungs during breathing, which induce hypercapnia. Twelve male swimmers performed 4 swims on 200 m crawl at intensities from 80%, 90%, 100% to 110% on separate days with a swimming snorkel. Respiratory parameters (VE, VCO2, VO2) and some parameters in the blood ([LA-], PCO2, PO2) were measured. From results we were able to demonstrate that limited VE during exercise in swimming occur and that is a possible influence on increased acidosis during maximal and supramaximal swimming. We found notable excess VCO2 after exercise at these intensities. We can also not conclude that hypercapnia was caused because values of PCO2 were similar to those during rest; however, it has to be considered that these values were obtained with significantly increased VE.
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