Assessment of blood lactate during breath hold diving: determination of maximal swimming velocity.

This study was aimed at assessing blood lactate during repeated successive short breath holds. The population was composed of 10 male subjects subdivided into two groups: trained (expert) and beginners. Each subject had to perform three series of breath hold divings with increasing speed, which corresponded to six divings of 30-second duration. Results showed more important accumulation of blood lactate in beginners (vs experts) and better recovery in experts. Blood lactate values that were recorded during this study allowed evaluation of maximal individual underwater swimming velocities with the objective of implementing a training program for divers. (C) 1999 Elsevier, Paris.