Physical work capacity and lung function in competitive swimmers.

Competitive swimmers require a high aerobic capacity to support the sustained performance of severe exercise. Maximal oxygen uptake values and blood lactate concentrations were measured in ten male and fifteen female swimmers from the Scottish National and Youth Squads 1981-82. Lung function tests were also performed to determine pulmonary efficiency. The results of these studies were compared with other investigations of international competitive swimmers and indicate a high level of fitness among Scottish national swimmers.