Relationships Between Propulsion and Anthropometry in Paralympic Swimmers

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 978-985 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew A. Dingley ◽  
David B. Pyne ◽  
Brendan Burkett
Keyword(s):  
Surface Area ◽  
Muscle Mass ◽  
Physical Disability ◽  
Swimming Performance ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
Swimming Velocity ◽  
Frontal Surface ◽  
Anthropometric Measures ◽  
Arm Span ◽  
Upper Body Power

Purpose:To characterize relationships between propulsion, anthropometry, and performance in Paralympic swimming.Methods:A cross-sectional study of swimmers (13 male, 15 female) age 20.5 ± 4.4 y was conducted. Subject locomotor categorizations were no physical disability (n = 8, classes S13–S14) and low-severity (n = 11, classes S9–S10) or midseverity disability (n = 9, classes S6–S8). Full anthropometric profiles estimated muscle mass and body fat, a bilateral swim-bench ergometer quantified upper-body power production, and 100-m time trials quantified swimming performance.Results:Correlations between ergometer mean power and swimming performance increased with degree of physical disability (low-severity male r = .65, ±0.56, and female r = .68, ±0.64; midseverity, r = .87, ±0.41, and r = .79, ±0.75). The female midseverity group showed nearperfect (positive) relationships for taller swimmers’ (with a greater muscle mass and longer arm span) swimming faster, while for female no- and low-severity-disability groups, greater muscle mass was associated with slower velocity (r = .78, ±0.43, and r = .65, ±0.66). This was supported with lighter females (with less frontal surface area) in the low-severity group being faster (r = .94, ±0.24). In a gender contrast, low-severity males with less muscle mass (r = -.64, ±0.56), high skinfolds (r = .78, ±0.43), a longer arm span (r = .58, ±0.60) or smaller frontal surface area (r = -.93, ±0.19) were detrimental to swimming-velocity production.Conclusion:Low-severity male and midseverity female Paralympic swimmers should be encouraged to develop muscle mass and upper-body power to enhance swimming performance. The generalized anthropometric measures appear to be a secondary consideration for coaches.

scholarly journals The Influence of Anthropometric, Kinematic and Energetic Variables and Gender on Swimming Performance in Youth Athletes

2013 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 203-211 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge E Morais ◽  
Nuno D Garrido ◽  
Mário C Marques ◽  
António J Silva ◽  
Daniel A Marinho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surface Area ◽  
Swimming Performance ◽  
Gender Effect ◽  
Swimming Velocity ◽  
Stroke Index ◽  
Propulsive Efficiency ◽  
Stroke Frequency ◽  
Self Evaluation ◽  
Speed Fluctuation ◽  
And Gender

Abstract The aim of this study was to assess the: (i) gender; (ii) performance and; (iii) gender versus performance interactions in young swimmers’ anthropometric, kinematic and energetic variables. One hundred and thirty six young swimmers (62 boys: 12.76 ± 0.72 years old at Tanner stages 1-2 by self-evaluation; and 64 girls: 11.89 ± 0.93 years old at Tanner stages 1-2 by self-evaluation) were evaluated. Performance, anthropometrics, kinematics and energetic variables were selected. There was a non-significant gender effect on performance, body mass, height, arm span, trunk transverse surface area, stroke length, speed fluctuation, swimming velocity, propulsive efficiency, stroke index and critical velocity. A significant gender effect was found for foot surface area, hand surface area and stroke frequency. A significant sports level effect was verified for all variables, except for stroke frequency, speed fluctuation and propulsive efficiency. Overall, swimmers in quartile 1 (the ones with highest sports level) had higher anthropometric dimensions, better stroke mechanics and energetics. These traits decrease consistently throughout following quartiles up to the fourth one (i.e. swimmers with the lowest sports level). There was a non-significant interaction between gender and sports level for all variables. Our main conclusions were as follows: (i) there are non-significant differences in performance, anthropometrics, kinematics and energetics between boys and girls; (ii) swimmers with best performance are taller, have higher surface areas and better stroke mechanics; (iii) there are non-significant interactions between sports level and gender for anthropometrics, kinematics and energetics.

Linking Selected Kinematic, Anthropometric and Hydrodynamic Variables to Young Swimmer Performance

2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 649-664 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge E. Morais ◽  
Sérgio Jesus ◽  
Vasco Lopes ◽  
Nuno Garrido ◽  
António Silva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surface Area ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Goodness Of Fit ◽  
Swimming Performance ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Technical Training ◽  
Stroke Index ◽  
Arm Span ◽  
Swimming Efficiency ◽  
Speed Fluctuation

The aim of this study was to develop a structural equation model (i.e., a confirmatory technique that analyzes relationships among observed variables) for young swimmer performance based on selected kinematic, anthropometric and hydrodynamic variables. A total of 114 subjects (73 boys and 41 girls of mean age of 12.31 ± 1.09 years; 47.91 ± 10.81 kg body mass; 156.57 ± 10.90 cm height and Tanner stages 1–2) were evaluated. The variables assessed were the: (i) 100 [m] freestyle performance; (ii) stroke index; (iii) speed fluctuation; (iv) stroke distance; (v) active drag; (vi) arm span and; (vii) hand surface area. All paths were significant (p < .05). However, in deleting the path between the hand surface area and the stroke index, the model goodness-of-fit significantly improved. Swimming performance in young swimmers appeared to be dependent on swimming efficiency (i.e., stroke index), which is determined by the remaining variables assessed, except for the hand surface area. Therefore, young swimmer coaches and practitioners should design training programs with a focus on technical training enhancement (i.e., improving swimming efficiency).

scholarly journals The Effect of Concurrent Resistance Training on Upper Body Strength, Sprint Swimming Performance and Kinematics in Competitive Adolescent Swimmers. A Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (19) ◽  
pp. 10261
Author(s):  
Sofiene Amara ◽  
Tiago M. Barbosa ◽  
Yassine Negra ◽  
Raouf Hammami ◽  
Riadh Khalifa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Resistance Training ◽  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Bench Press ◽  
Swimming Performance ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Swimming Velocity ◽  
Stroke Rate ◽  
Sprint Swimming

This study aimed to examine the effect of 9 weeks of concurrent resistance training (CRT) between resistance on dry land (bench press (BP) and medicine ball throw) and resistance in water (water parachute and hand paddles) on muscle strength, sprint swimming performance and kinematic variables compared by the usual training (standard in-water training). Twenty-two male competitive swimmers participated in this study and were randomly allocated to two groups. The CRT group (CRTG, age = 16.5 ± 0.30 years) performed a CRT program, and the control group (CG, age = 16.1 ± 0.32 years) completed their usual training. The independent variables were measured pre- and post-intervention. The findings showed that the one-repetition maximum bench press (1RM BP) was improved only after a CRT program (d = 2.18; +12.11 ± 1.79%). Moreover, all sprint swimming performances were optimized in the CRT group (d = 1.3 to 2.61; −4.22 ± 0.18% to −7.13 ± 0.23%). In addition, the findings revealed an increase in velocity and stroke rate (d = 1.67, d = 2.24; 9.36 ± 2.55%, 13.51 ± 4.22%, respectively) after the CRT program. The CRT program improved the muscle strength, which, in turn, improved the stroke rate, with no change in the stroke length. Then, the improved stroke rate increased the swimming velocity. Ultimately, a faster velocity leads to better swim performances.

scholarly journals External heating garments used post-warm-up improve upper body power and elite sprint swimming performance

2016 ◽  
Vol 231 (2) ◽  
pp. 91-101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma L Wilkins ◽  
George Havenith
Keyword(s):  
Power Output ◽  
Swimming Performance ◽  
Recovery Period ◽  
Peak Force ◽  
Electrical Heating ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
Warm Up ◽  
External Heating ◽  
Upper Body Power ◽  
Sprint Swimming

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of using an electrical heating garment during a 30-min recovery period after a standardized swimming warm-up on subsequent swimming performance and upper body power output. On two occasions, eight male and four female elite competitive swimmers completed a standardized swimming warm-up, followed by a 30-min passive recovery period before completing maximal plyometric press-ups and a 50-m freestyle swim. Plyometric press-ups determined starting strength, peak force and peak concentric power. During the recovery period, participants wore tracksuit bottoms and (1) a standard tracksuit top (CON) or (2) jacket with integrated electric heating elements (HEAT). The overall results demonstrated a trend of a relevant (>0.4%) improvement in the 50-m freestyle performance of 0.83% ( p = 0.06) in HEAT versus CON. In male participants, performance in the 50-m freestyle significantly improved by 1.01% (CON 25.18 ± 0.5 s vs HEAT 24.93 ± 0.4 s; p < 0.05), whereas female participants only showed a trend for an improvement of 0.38% (29.18 ± 0.5 s vs 29.03 ± 1.0 s; p = 0.09), in HEAT compared with CON, although statistical power for the latter test was low. Male participants’ starting strength, peak force and peak concentric power were 16.5 ± 13%, 18.1 ± 21% and 16.2 ± 21% greater, respectively, in HEAT compared with CON (all p < 0.01). In conclusion, external heating of the upper body between completion of the warm-up and performance through the utilization of an electrically heated jacket improves plyometric press-up power output and force production, as well as sprint swimming performance in males. This provides justification for future enhancement opportunities in sporting performance through the utilization of external heating systems. Optimization of the heating system for specific sports is required.

scholarly journals Effects of the lower jaw position on athletic performance of elite athletes

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. e000886
Author(s):  
John Patrick Haughey ◽  
Peter Fine
Keyword(s):  
Athletic Performance ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Elite Athletes ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Lower Jaw ◽  
Hamstring Flexibility ◽  
Jaw Position ◽  
Upper Body Power ◽  
Lower Body Power

When an athlete wears a mouthguard, the position of the lower jaw is changed by virtue of the teeth being unable to occlude. Little research is available in in this area, which have indicated both positive impact and no positive impact.ObjectivesThis study aims to explore the influence of the lower jaw position on athletic performance in elite athletes.MethodsA repeated measures study compared two lower jaw positions, the athlete’s normal (habitual) bite and the lower jaw position when the muscles of mastication are at physiological rest (physiological rest bite). 15 athletes completed a medicine ball putt (upper body power), vertical jump (lower body power), sit and reach (composite hamstring flexibility), passive knee flexion (hamstring muscle length) and star excursion balance (stability and balance) tests in each condition.ResultsPaired t-tests showed the physiological rest bite had significant (p<0.05) positive effect on athletic performance for each test. On average the physiological rest bite provided an increase of lower body power (5.8%), upper body power (10%), hamstring flexibility (14%) and balance and stability (4.8%) compared to the habitual bite.ConclusionThis study provides evidence of the need for further research to confirm if the lower jaw position can be optimised for athletic performance in athletes.

Comparison Considerations Toward Investigating the Factors of Load and Age Group on the Maximum Reach Envelope

2020 ◽  
pp. 001872082096501
Author(s):  
Heather Johnston ◽  
Colleen Dewis ◽  
John Kozey
Keyword(s):  
Coordinate System ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Spherical Coordinate System ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Anthropometric Measures ◽  
Younger Adults ◽  
Present Measurement ◽  
Spherical Coordinate ◽  
Cylindrical Coordinate

Objective The objectives were to compare cylindrical and spherical coordinate representations of the maximum reach envelope (MRE) and apply these to a comparison of age and load on the MRE. Background The MRE is a useful measurement in the design of workstations and quantifying functional capability of the upper body. As a dynamic measure, there are human factors that impact the size, shape, and boundaries of the MRE. Method Three-dimensional reach measures were recorded using a computerized potentiometric system for anthropometric measures (CPSAM) on two adult groups (aged 18–25 years and 35–70 years). Reach trials were performed holding .0, .5, and 1 kg. Results Three-dimensional Cartesian coordinates were transformed into cylindrical ( r, θ , Z) and spherical ( r, θ, ϕ) coordinates. Median reach distance vectors were calculated for 54 panels within the MRE as created by incremented banding of the respective coordinate systems. Reach distance and reach area were compared between the two groups and the loaded conditions using a spherical coordinate system. Both younger adults and unloaded condition produced greater reach distances and reach areas. Conclusions Where a cylindrical coordinate system may reflect absolute reference for design, a normalized spherical coordinate system may better reflect functional range of motion and better compare individual and group differences. Age and load are both factors that impact the MRE. Application These findings present measurement considerations for use in human reach investigation and design.

Mitochondrial function in flying honeybees (Apis mellifera): respiratory chain enzymes and electron flow from complex III to oxygen

2000 ◽  
Vol 203 (5) ◽  
pp. 905-911 ◽  
Author(s):  
R.K. Suarez ◽  
J.F. Staples ◽  
J.R. Lighton ◽  
O. Mathieu-Costello
Keyword(s):  
Surface Area ◽  
Muscle Mass ◽  
Respiratory Chain ◽  
Mitochondrial Function ◽  
Electron Flow ◽  
Complex Iii ◽  
High Mass ◽  
Metabolic Rates ◽  
Turnover Rates ◽  
Respiratory Enzymes

The biochemical bases for the high mass-specific metabolic rates of flying insects remain poorly understood. To gain insights into mitochondrial function during flight, metabolic rates of individual flying honeybees were measured using respirometry, and their thoracic muscles were fixed for electron microscopy. Mitochondrial volume densities and cristae surface densities, combined with biochemical data concerning cytochrome content per unit mass, were used to estimate respiratory chain enzyme densities per unit cristae surface area. Despite the high content of respiratory enzymes per unit muscle mass, these are accommodated by abundant mitochondria and high cristae surface densities such that enzyme densities per unit cristae surface area are similar to those found in mammalian muscle and liver. These results support the idea that a unit area of mitochondrial inner membrane constitutes an invariant structural unit. Rates of O(2) consumption per unit cristae surface area are much higher than those estimated in mammals as a consequence of higher enzyme turnover rates (electron transfer rates per enzyme molecule) during flight. Cytochrome c oxidase, in particular, operates close to its maximum catalytic capacity (k(cat)). Thus, high flux rates are achieved via (i) high respiratory enzyme content per unit muscle mass and (ii) the operation of these enzymes at high fractional velocities.

Interactive effects of salinity on metabolic rate, activity, growth and osmoregulation in the euryhaline milkfish (Chanos chanos)

1998 ◽  
Vol 201 (24) ◽  
pp. 3355-3366
Author(s):  
C Swanson
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Rate ◽  
High Salinity ◽  
Swimming Performance ◽  
Interactive Effects ◽  
Routine Activity ◽  
Swimming Velocity ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Salinity Adaptation ◽  
Chanos Chanos ◽  
Wide Range

The euryhaline milkfish (Chanos chanos) is an excellent subject for studies of the physiological and behavioral processes involved in salinity adaptation. In this study, energy partitioning for metabolism, activity and growth, maximal activity performance and blood osmotic concentrations were assessed at two activity levels in juvenile milkfish fed equal rations and maintained at a relatively constant temperature (262 C) and at salinities(15, 35 and 55 ?) that represented a wide range of osmoregulatory challenges. Changes in the measured parameters were not consistently related to the magnitude of the trans-integumentary osmotic gradients. Routine oxygen consumption rates were high in 35 ? salinity (mean 1 s.e.m. 1678 mg O2 kg-1 h-1) and comparably low in 15 and 55 ? salinity (1336 and 1273 mg O2 kg-1 h-1, respectively). Routine activity levels (relative swimming velocity) were highest in 35 ? salinity (0. 960.04 L s-1), where L is standard length, intermediate in 15 ? salinity (0.770.03 L s-1) and lowest in 55 ? salinity (0.670.03 L s-1). Growth was significantly higher in 55 ? salinity (3.40.2 % increase in wet body mass per day) than in 35 ?salinity (2.40.2 % increase per day) and intermediate in 15 ? salinity(2.90.5 % increase per day). Maximum swimming velocities decreased with increases in salinity, from 9.90.7 L s-1 in 15 ? salinity to 6.60. 5 L s-1 in 55 ? salinity. Sustained swimming activity above routine levels for 2 h resulted in an increase in blood osmotic concentrations in milkfish in 55 ?salinity, but osmoregulation was re-established during the second 2 h of activity. Thus, patterns of variation in metabolic rate and growth were largely parallel to variations in routine activity although, comparing 15 and 55 ? salinity, elevated maintenance costs for osmoregulation at the high salinity were detectable. Reduced osmoregulatory abilities and reductions in maximal swimming performance suggest that high salinity may constrain activity. The results demonstrate that investigations of salinity adaptation in euryhaline fishes should take into account the interactive effects of salinity on physiology and behavior.

scholarly journals Contrasting morphology and training background in waterpolo teams of different competitive levels

2014 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 272-279 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sofia Canossa ◽  
José Arturo Abraldes ◽  
Susana Soares ◽  
María Helena Vila ◽  
Carmen Ferragut ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Mass ◽  
Working Group ◽  
Background Characteristics ◽  
Mass Percentage ◽  
International Working Group ◽  
Arm Span ◽  
Training Background ◽  
And Training

We aimed to describe and compare the general morphological, somatotype and training background characteristics of Iberian waterpolo players (22 Portuguese and 22 Spanish National Teams players) considering their playing positions. The International Working Group of Kinanthropometry guidelines was herein followed, and a somatochart was obtained through specific software (Somatotype, Calculation and Analysis. (c)2001 SWEAT technologies). Spanish players train more hours per week (22.8 ±9.5 vs.12.2 ±5.6), are taller (187.4 cm ±6.6 vs.180.3 cm ±5.1), heavier (89.2 kg ±11.6 vs.79.1 kg ±10.0), show higher arm span (195.7 cm ±8.5 vs.185.2 cm ±7.4) and muscle mass percentage (49.0% ± 1.8 vs.46.0% ±6.0), and tend to be more mesomorphic (5.19 ±1.27 vs.4.26 ±1.32) than the Portuguese players. Concerning field positions, Spanish center forward players train more hours per week than the Portuguese (20.2 ±9.1 vs.12.2 ±3.8) and show higher arm span (204.4 cm ±7.3 vs.184.0 cm ±6.5). Spanish goal keepers and outside players show higher muscle mass percentage (49.8% ±1.5 vs.42.2% ±5.2 and 49.4% ±1.5 vs.45.5% ±4.6, respectively) than the Portuguese players. These evidences should be taken into account for the improvement of waterpolo sport.

scholarly journals Comparison of Dynamic Push-Up Training and Plyometric Push-Up Training on Upper-Body Power and Strength

2000 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 248 ◽  
Author(s):  
JEFFERY F. VOSSEN ◽  
JOHN F. KRAMER ◽  
DARREN G. BURKE ◽  
DEBORAH P. VOSSEN
Keyword(s):  
Upper Body ◽  
Upper Body Power ◽  
Push Up
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