The main aim of this investigation was to verify the relationship of the variables measured during a 3-minute all-out test with aerobic (i.e., peak oxygen uptake [VO(2)peak] and intensity corresponding to the lactate minimum [LMI]) and anaerobic parameters (i.e., anaerobic work) measured during a 400-m maximal performance. To measure force continually and to avoid the possible influences caused by turns, the 3-minute all-out effort was performed in tethered swimming. Thirty swimmers performed the following tests: (a) a 3-minute all-out tethered swimming test to determine the final force (equivalent to critical force: CF3-MIN) and the work performed above CF3-MIN (W'(3-MIN)), (b) a LMI protocol to determine the LMI during front crawl swimming, and (c) a 400-m maximal test to determine the VO(2)peak and total anaerobic contribution (W-ANA). Correlations between the variables were tested using the Pearson's correlation test (p <= 0.05). CF3-MIN (73.9 +/- 13.2 N) presented a high correlation with the LMI (1.33 +/- 0.08 m.s(-1); p = 0.01) and VO(2)peak (4.5 +/- 1.2 L.min(-1); p = 0.01). However, the W'(3-MIN) (1,943.2 +/- 719.2 N.s) was only moderately correlated with LMI (p = 0.02) and VO(2)peak (p = 0.01). In summary, CF3-MIN determined during the 3-minute all-out effort is associated with oxidative metabolism and can be used to estimate the aerobic capacity of swimmers. In contrast, the anaerobic component of this model (W'(3-MIN)) is not correlated with W-ANA.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Ponta Grossa State Univ UEPG, Dept Phys Educ, Ponta Grossa, Parana, BrazilUniv Sao Paulo State UNESP, Dept Phys Educ, Sao Paulo, BrazilCampinas State Univ UNICAMP, Dept Sports Sci, Lab Sports Appl Physiol, Sao Paulo, BrazilUniv Sao Paulo, Sch Phys Educ &Sport Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, BrazilUniv Sao Paulo State UNESP, Departamento de Educação Física, Sao Paulo, BrazilFAPESP: 2011/05357-9FAPESP: 2011/16195-0