OK - here is the research ....
Sharp RL, Hackney AC, Cain SM, and Ness RJ (1988): The effect of shaving body hair on the physiological cost of freestyle swimming. Journal of Swimming Research 4(1):9-13.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine if shaving of body hair would have an effect on the physiological cost of standard swimming velocities. Physiological effort required to swim at a given velocity was assessed using determinations of blood lactate concentration 2 min after each of four 200 yard freestyle swims. Six subjects volunteered and were asked to swim four 200's with 15 min rest between each and reducing their time by roughly 10 sec on each consecutive swim. On the next day, subjects shaved their body hair from arms, legs and exposed torso and repeated this swimming protocol. Blood lactate accumulation at a submaximal speed of 1.08 m/sec was significantly reduced by an average of 28% by shaving. Blood lactate accumulation at a maximal swimming speed of 1.30 m/sec was significantly reduced by an average of 23%. This much change in the physiological cost of submaximal and maximal swimming speeds is nearly as great as that resulting from a season of collegiate swimming training. It was concluded that there is indeed a physical benefit to shaving-down (most likely a reduction in body drag) and that the benefits are not solely due to a psychological response.
Competitive swimmers progressively reduce training volume or ''taper'' prior to an important competition in an effort to improve performance capabilities. The purpose of the current study was to determine the effects of taper upon factors associated with swim performance. Twelve intercollegiate swimmers were tested before and after taper in preparation for their season-ending meet. Power during a tethered sprint swim increased significantly (P
are my inflatable buttock-implants still legal?
Only if no "fasteners" are visible outside the suit lines! Also, you may not want to use these in backstroke as they will throw off your body position! :D
Much of what Erik says about shaving applies equally to training and tapering: makes a huge difference in speed; affects people differently; high opportunity cost in the case of training. Ban them both!
We should all show up at the meet with proof positive that we have not been in the water -- not even for bathing purposes, to make verification easier.
are my inflatable buttock-implants still legal?
It depends on what they are inflated with. Saline solution and air are both illegal because they are more buoyant than freshwater found in swimming pools. (Saline inflated butt cheeks are legal for ocean swims.) Air, of course, is legal only for swimming in dehydrated pools. Under such swimming conditions, the officials will need to check to make sure you haven't switched the air inflation system with helium.
To be on the safe side, I recommend inflating your buttock implants with natural human substances. If and when, for instance, Angelina Jolie decides to have her lips reduced to normal size, you might be able to use her lip tissues as a fully legal buttock inflation substance.
See USMS rule 601.b, subsection H4a, codicil 44 (popularly known simply as the "Help! My ass is fallin!" rule) for a more detailed explanation of what is and is not acceptable.
