Influence of a new developed swim snorkel: an intervention study

Aim Scientific literature examining the influence of a swim snorkel is lacking. The aim of the present study was to analyze possible effects on performance, ventilatory and metabolic parameters of a new developed swim snorkel during a 9-week training intervention study. Methods Twenty sport science students, 12 males and 6 females (22.15 ± 2.4 years, 1.78 ± 0.08 m, 70.2 ± 10.8 kg, BMI 21.9 ± 2.0) were recruited for this intervention study. The subjects completed 18 training sessions over 9 weeks while each training session included 2000-2400m of swimming. After an initial critical swim speed-test (CSS-test) (Dekerle et al., 2002) the subjects were divided into two matched pair groups (variable: 400 m time-trial time). The intervention group used a swim snorkel (AMEO Powerbreather LAP Edition) during drills and the main-part of each training session, the control group did not use the swim snorkel at all. Before and after the intervention a CSS-test (400 and 200m time-trial), ventilatory tests (forced expiratory vital capacity [FVCex] and Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second [FEV1]) and two-speed test were examined (Olbrecht et al., 1985). Results Time-trial times of 400m (pre: 424 ± 65 s / post: 386 ± 49 s) and 200m (pre: 196 ± 29 s / post: 182 ± 23 s) improved significantly (p<0.001) over time, but no differences between groups were found. CSS did not change over time or between groups. FVCex (pre: 5.49 ± 1.27 l / post: 5.41 ± 1.20 l) and FEV1 (pre: 4.67 ± 0.99 l / post: 4.60 ± 0.95 l) changed significantly (p<0.01) over time but not between groups. While lactate concentrations at velocity of 85% of 400m best time changed significantly (p<0.001) over time, peak lactate concentrations after the 400m time-trials did not. Here, no influence of groups was found. Conclusions There is no positive influence using a new developed swim snorkel during a 9 week intervention study. Training over 9 weeks is valuable to improve swim performance in sport science students, while respiratory parameters declined. According to these results further studies should examine the most beneficial use of a swim snorkel during training to increase swim performance.