Effects of Water Temperature on Aerobic Working Capacity

Four members of the Cortland State College swimming team were used to assess the effects of three swimming pool water temperatures (64, 77, and 90 F) on metabolic responses during three minutes of maximal work. Heart rates and rectal temperatures were recorded at rest and at the end of each minute of exercise. Maximal oxygen uptake determinations were made during the third minute of exercise. The water temperatures employed in this study did not significantly affect heart rates, rectal temperatures, or the maximal oxygen uptake values. Analysis of the ventilatory volume, percentage of oxygen extracted, carbon dioxide production, and oxygen consumed indicated that there was greater hyperventilation in water at 64 F than in water at 77 F.