Critical swimming speed (CSS) tests were developed by Wakayoshi and his
associates to estimate the threshold pace for endurance training. The defined
the critical swimming speed as the fastest speed swimmers could maintain
continuously without exhaustion. Therefore, they believe that it represents an
athlete’s maximal lactate steady state.
The procedure of determining the critical swimming speed involves
swimming a minimum of two time trials from a push off, although three or more
trials are recommended. Any combination of the following time trial distances
have been recommended for this purpose: 50, 100, 200, and 400m. When only two
time trials are used, the distances should be considerably different. There
should be at least a 30 minute rest between swims. It is also recommended that
the swims should be performed over a 2 or 3 days period, especially when the 3
or 4 time trials are used.
