Validation of a new incremental swim test as a tool for maximum oxygen uptake analysis in lifeguards

Abstract

This study was designed to validate an incremental test predicting maximum oxygen uptake for lifeguards. A maximum incremental test was performed in the laboratory (i.e., treadmill run) and in the pool (i.e., swim) by 10 certified lifeguards. The values of maximum oxygen uptake (VO 2 Max), maximum heart rate (HRMax), and lactate (LaMax) achieved during both tests were analyzed. The VO 2 Max (0.87, p =.001), HRmax (0.85, p = .002) and LaMax (0.67, p < .05) values showed significant correlations between the laboratory tests and the pool tests. These results showed that the Incremental Pool Test for Lifeguards (IPTL) was valid (i.e., concurrent validity) for obtaining the maximum oxygen uptake of a rescuer. Using this swim test, lifeguards and their supervisors will be able to individualize their training in order to improve their performance in a water rescue and perhaps reduce the numbers of fatal drownings.