Abstract

Twenty-four male and female elite swimmers of an average age of 17.25±1.92 years, weight of 57.75 ±4.49 kg and height of 166.75±4.63 cm swam 50 and 200 m trials with and without Fast-Skin at approximately 80–100% of maximal effort (to control intensity, blood lactate and heart-rate was measured) in four swimming styles. In 400 m freestyle swimming, traditional swimsuit compared with shoulder-to-ankle (SA) and shoulder-to-knee (SK) of Fast-Skin. According to the obtained results, it was evident that swimming record of all events followings the use of Fast-Skin decreased. But no significant decrease was observed in 50 m females’ breaststroke and males’ front crawl and butterfly. In addition, even for males, there was a different significant effect between SA and SK. The Fast-Skin had a different significant effect on speed and semi-endurance swimming. Bearing in mind the results, for females using SA especially in speed front crawl and semi-endurance butterfly and SK for endurance freestyle swimming and for males using SA in speed backstroke, semi-endurance front crawl and endurance freestyle swimming are recommended. Verf.-Referat