The purpose of the present work was to examine the relationship between the metabolic efficiency and the modifications of the propeller movement during various tasks conducted at maximal and submaximal intensities. A descriptive analysis of the monofin-swiming activity was firstly performed, allowing to characterize the physiological profile of high-level monofin-swimmers (Study 1). This first work shows that the amplitude of the cardiorespiratory and metabolic responses to maximal monofin-swimming is significantly less important than that induced during cycling test. These differences in acute physiological adaptations to maximal exercise between the maximal tests suggest an influence of the specific position ofthe body and the low muscular mass recruited in monofin. The goal of the study 2 was investigate the influence of the kick frequency (KF as movement parameter) on the energy cost (Ec) and the metabolic responses during submaximal swimming sessions of constant duration. The findings highlight that the choice of a high KF ( > freely chosen KF, FCKF) as compared to an interval of low KF, results in an optimization of Ec parameter, possibly by the reduction of active drag.The aim of the study 3 was to focus in the effect of the KF on the indicators of the metabolic efficiency (Ec and slow component of the oxygen consumption , VO2SC ) during a time limit (Tlim) conducted at maximal intensity. The selection of a low and high KF (expressed in % of the FCKF) is associated with an alteration of Tlim whereas an improvement of the performance is observed during the FCKF condition. The lack of significant differences of Ec and VO2SC between the conditions suggests that the performance is more dependent on the manipulation of the movement than induced physiological responses. Further studies are necessary to identify the internal and external mechanisms (e.g. muscular activity and/or motor control)
