Game activity and blood lactate in men's elite water-polo players

The purpose of this study was to examine game demands during highly competitive men’s water-polo games after the introduction of the new Federation International Natation Association (FINA) rules. Participants of this study were 77 outfield international level men’s water-polo players (age 25.9 +/- 4.5 years, height 188 +/- 4.5 cm, body mass 93 +/- 10.9 kg). Game earlobe blood lactate, speed, and distance covered (semiautomatic image recognition system) were measured during 6 highly competitive matches (FINA International Tournament). In the game, players covered 1,613 +/- 150 m (n = 68). This corresponds to a mean coverage rate of 54 6 5.8 mmin21 (n = 68). At speeds faster than 1.4 m/s (high-intensity swimming), players covered 44% of the total distance. A significant decrease in coverage rate was detected during the final stage of the game. Mean blood lactate concentration was 7.7 +/- 1.0 mmol/l (range 2.2–14.3). Center Defenders (1,816 +/- 496 m) covered significantly more distance swimming compared to Field (1,676 +/- 348 m) and Center-Forward (1,317 +/- 281 m) players. Mean match blood lactate concentrations for Center Forwards, Center Defenders, and Field Players were 11.2 +/- 1.0 (3–14.3), 6.7 +/- 0.9 (1.4–8), and 5.3 +/- 0.9 mmol/l (2.2–11.9), respectively. This study confirmed the high-intensity nature of male elite level water polo showing remarkable roledependent game demands. As a result, strength and conditioning interventions should be individualized and mainly address intermittent high-intensity endurance and anaerobic fitness.