BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to perform an exploratory analysis of the relationships between physiological variables and load-velocity profile parameters with 50 m swimming performance in national- and international-level swimmers. METHODS: Swimmers at national and international level (WA = 742 ± 68 points) performed an incremental semi-tethered swimming test to determine load-velocity profile parameters and physiological responses. Mechanical variables included theoretical maximal velocity (V*), theoretical maximal load (L*), relative maximal load (rL*), slope, and semi-tethered power index (STPI). Physiological variables included peak oxygen uptake (VO*peak), alactic anaerobic contribution (CAnAl), lactic anaerobic contribution (CAnLa), and total anaerobic contribution (CAnT). Swimming performance was assessed through race velocities and World Aquatics (WA) points obtained in official competitions. Correlation and multiple regression analyses were performed, controlling for swimming stroke. RESULTS: Load-velocity profile-derived variables showed stronger associations with swimming performance than physiological parameters. After controlling for swimming stroke, L*, rL*, and slope remained significantly associated with race velocity variables, while rL* was the only parameter independently associated with WA points (* = 2.39, p = 0.043). In contrast, V* and STPI were no longer associated with performance after adjustment. Although some physiological variables showed moderate correlations with swimming velocities, most associations disappeared after controlling for swimming stroke, and none of the physiological variables were independently associated with WA points. CONCLUSIONS: Performance in the 50 m swimming event appears to be more strongly associated with mechanical characteristics derived from the load-velocity profile than with physiological variables.
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