Swimmers really do "feel better" and that Speedo claim of a 7.5% in reduced drag is not corroborated

US National Institute of Health studies on Swimming:

This study illustrated the relationship between swimming, an aerobic activity, and mood. One hundred college students, voluntarily enrolled in beginning or intermediate swimming classes or in lecture-control classes, completed the POMS; [Program Objective Memo], before and after class.

Results of a 5-way ANOVA; [ analysis of variance], confirmed that, as predicted, swimmers reported significantly less tension, depression, anger, confusion, and more vigor after exercising than before. [...] Despite different social connotations of exercise for women and men, there were no gender differences in the amount of mood change associated with swimming. However, in direct contradiction of existing literature, the women reported significantly less tension-anxiety, depression, anger, and confusion than the men. [Link]

Here is one that confirms that, "Shorter-distance swims that do not tax endurance are preferable, if mood enhancement is a goal." [Link]

This one studied the Speedo Fastskin and found that their 7.5% claim was not corroborated, but to be fair, they did measure a 2% reduction in drag.

The effect on drag of a Speedo Fast-skin suit compared to a conventional suit was studied in 13 subjects (6 males, 7 females) swimming at different velocities between 1.0 and 2.0 m.s-1. The active drag force was directly measured during front crawl swimming using a system of underwater push-off pads instrumented with a force transducer (MAD system). For a range of swimming speeds (1.1, 1.3, 1.5 and 1.7 m.s-1), drag values were estimated. On a group level, a statistically non-significant drag reduction effect of 2% was observed for the Fast-skin suit (p = 0.31). Therefore, the 7.5% reduction in drag claimed by the swimwear manufacturer was not corroborated. [Link]

They should have used a TYR Aqua Shift.

The next study says that triathletes need to spend more time doing technique clinics. (I swear, I did not make this up.) The study is called: "Differences in propelling efficiency between competitive and triathlon swimmers."

Snippet: "...It is concluded that triathletes should focus their attention on their swimming technique rather than their ability to do work. The distance per stroke might be a simple criterion to evaluate the improvement in skill. ..." [Link]

There are 100's more at the NCBI website: [Link]