Analysis of Swimming Performance from Physical, Physiological, and Biomechanical Parameters in Young Swimmers

2007 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 70-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaak Jürimäe ◽  
Kaja Haljaste ◽  
Antonio Cicchella ◽  
Evelin Lätt ◽  
Priit Purge ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Cost ◽  
Swimming Performance ◽  
Peak Oxygen Consumption ◽  
Stroke Index ◽  
Front Crawl ◽  
Stroke Length ◽  
Technical Parameters ◽  
Arm Span ◽  
Biomechanical Parameters ◽  
Energy Cost Of Swimming

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of the energy cost of swimming, body composition, and technical parameters on swimming performance in young swimmers. Twenty-nine swimmers, 15 prepubertal (11.9 ± 0.3 years; Tanner Stages 1−2) and 14 pubertal (14.3 ± 1.4 years; Tanner Stages 3−4) boys participated in the study. The energy cost of swimming (Cs) and stroking parameters were assessed over maximal 400-m front-crawl swimming in a 25m swimming pool. The backward extrapolation technique was used to evaluate peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak). A stroke index (SI; m2 · s−1 · cycles−1) was calculated by multiplying the swimming speed by the stroke length. VO2peak results were compared with VO2peak test in the laboratory (bicycle, 2.86 ± 0.74 L/min, vs. in water, 2.53 ± 0.50 L/min; R2 = .713; p = .0001). Stepwise-regression analyses revealed that SI (R2 = .898), in-water VO2peak (R2 = .358), and arm span (R2 = .454) were the best predictors of swimming performance. The backward-extrapolation method could be used to assess VO2peak in young swimmers. SI, arm span, and VO2peak appear to be the major determinants of front-crawl swimming performance in young swimmers.

scholarly journals Energetic and Biomechanical Contributions for Longitudinal Performance in Master Swimmers

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 37
Author(s):  
Daniel A. Marinho ◽  
Maria I. Ferreira ◽  
Tiago M. Barbosa ◽  
José Vilaça-Alves ◽  
Mário J. Costa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Lactate ◽  
Swimming Performance ◽  
Lactate Concentration ◽  
Blood Lactate Concentration ◽  
Stroke Index ◽  
Front Crawl ◽  
Stroke Length ◽  
Propelling Efficiency ◽  
Peak Blood ◽  
Peak Blood Lactate

Background: The current study aimed to verify the changes in performance, physiological and biomechanical variables throughout a season in master swimmers. Methods: Twenty-three master swimmers (34.9 ± 7.4 years) were assessed three times during a season (December: M1, March: M2, June: M3), in indoor 25 m swimming pools. An incremental 5 × 200 m test was used to evaluate the speed at 4 mmol·L−1 of blood lactate concentration (sLT), maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), peak blood lactate ([La-]peak) after the test, stroke frequency (SF), stroke length (SL), stroke index (SI) and propelling efficiency (ηp). The performance was assessed in the 200 m front crawl during competition. Results: Swimming performance improved between M1, M2 (2%, p = 0.03), and M3 (4%, p < 0.001). Both sLT and VO2max increased throughout the season (4% and 18%, p < 0.001, respectively) but not [La-]peak. While SF decreased 5%, SL, SI and ηp increased 5%, 7%, and 6% (p < 0.001) from M1 to M3. Conclusions: Master swimmers improved significantly in their 200 m front crawl performance over a season, with decreased SF, and increased SL, ηp and SI. Despite the improvement in energetic variables, the change in performance seemed to be more dependent on technical than energetic factors.

scholarly journals Modelling the 200 m Front-Crawl Performance Predictors at the Winter Season Peak

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 2126
Author(s):  
Mário J. Costa ◽  
Catarina C. Santos ◽  
Daniel A. Marinho ◽  
António J. Silva ◽  
Tiago M. Barbosa
Keyword(s):  
Lactate Concentration ◽  
Winter Season ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Step Test ◽  
Stroke Index ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Front Crawl ◽  
Stroke Length ◽  
Physiological Factors ◽  
Arm Span

This study aimed to identify potential predictors of 200 m front crawl performance at the winter season peak based on the anthropometric, physiological and biomechanical domains. Twelve expert male swimmers completed an incremental 7 × 200 m step test immediately after their most important winter competitions. Measurements were made of: (i) height, body mass and arm span as anthropometrical parameters; (ii) velocity at a 4 mmol·L−1 lactate concentration (V4), maximal oxygen uptake (VO2máx) and energy cost (C), as physiological parameters; (iii) stroke frequency (SF), stroke length (SL), stroke index (SI) and propelling efficiency (ηp) as biomechanical indicators; and (iv) 200 m front crawl race time in official long course competitions. Spearman correlation coefficients identified V4 as the single factor having significant relationship with performance. Simple regression analysis determined V4, SI and arm span as the most relevant variables of each group. Multiple linear regression models showed that physiological factors explained better (59%) the variation in performance at this stage of the season, followed by the biomechanical (14%) ones. Therefore, V4 can be one important aspect for training control and diagnosis for those who want to achieve success in the 200 m front crawl at the winter season peak.

Front Crawl Technical Characterization of 11- to 13-Year-Old Swimmers

2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 409-419 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Silva ◽  
Pedro Figueiredo ◽  
Susana Soares ◽  
Ludovic Seifert ◽  
João Paulo Vilas-Boas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Total Sample ◽  
Stroke Index ◽  
Stroke Rate ◽  
Front Crawl ◽  
Stroke Length ◽  
Underwater Cameras ◽  
Elite Swimmers ◽  
Biomechanical Parameters ◽  
Catch Up

Our aim was to characterize front crawl swimming performed at very high intensity by young practitioners. 114 swimmers 11–13 years old performed 25 m front crawl swimming at 50 m pace. Two underwater cameras was used to assess general biomechanical parameters (velocity, stroke rate, stroke length and stroke index) and interarm coordination (Index of Coordination), being also identified each front crawl stroke phase. Swimmers presented lower values in all biomechanical parameters than data presented in studies conducted with older swimmers, having the postpubertal group closest values to adult literature due to their superior anthropometric and maturational characteristics. Boys showed higher velocity and stroke index than girls (as reported for elite swimmers), but higher stroke rate than girls (in opposition to what is described for adults). In addition, when considering the total sample, a higher relationship was observed between velocity and stroke length (than with stroke rate), indicating that improving stroke length is a fundamental skill to develop in these ages. Furthermore, only catch-up coordination mode was adopted (being evident a lag time between propulsion of the arms), and the catch and the pull phases presented the highest and smallest durations, respectively.

scholarly journals Young Swimmers’ Middle-Distance Performance Variation within a Training Season

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 1010
Author(s):  
Sara Ferreira ◽  
Diogo Duarte Carvalho ◽  
Ricardo Cardoso ◽  
Manoel Rios ◽  
Susana Soares ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Performance Improvement ◽  
Swimming Performance ◽  
Stroke Index ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Swimming Training ◽  
Front Crawl ◽  
Stroke Length ◽  
Post Exercise ◽  
Performance Variation ◽  
Technical Proficiency

The current study aimed to longitudinally evaluate anthropometric, physiological, and biomechanical variables related to middle-distance performance during a 45-week swimming training season. Thirty-four swimmers (age: 12.07 ± 1.14 years) performed a maximum of 400 m front crawl at the beginning (T1) and finish of the first macrocycle (T2, 15 weeks) and the finish of the second (T3, 18 weeks) and third macrocycles (T4, 12 weeks). Time-related variables, stroke rate (SR), stroke length (SL), and stroke index (SI) were recorded during the test, and blood lactate ([La]) and glucose ([Glu]) concentrations were measured post-exercise. The time of the 400 m effort decreased after each macrocycle (T2 vs. T1, 7.8 ± 5.6%; T3 vs. T2, 3.7 ± 3.1%; T4 vs. T3, 3.8 ± 3.4%; p < 0.01). Four hundred meter speed changes between T1 and T2 were positively related to variations in [La], [Glu], SL, and SI (r = 0.36–0.60, p < 0.05). Changes between T2 and T3 were related to SI only (r = 0.5, p < 0.05), and modifications between T3 and T4 were associated with SL and SI variations (r = 0.34 and 0.65, p < 0.05). These results indicate that a well-structured year plan including three macrocycles leads to a significant age-group swimming performance improvement, mostly connected with an increase in technical proficiency.

Spatial-temporal variables for swimming coaches: A comparison study between video and TritonWear sensor

2021 ◽  
pp. 174795412110137
Author(s):  
Robin Pla ◽  
Thibaut Ledanois ◽  
Escobar David Simbana ◽  
Anaël Aubry ◽  
Benjamin Tranchard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Swimming Performance ◽  
Video Recording ◽  
Open Water ◽  
Percentage Error ◽  
Stroke Index ◽  
Wearable Sensor ◽  
Stroke Length ◽  
Video Recordings ◽  
Temporal Variables ◽  
Training Sets

The main aim of this study was to evaluate the validity and the reliability of a swimming sensor to assess swimming performance and spatial-temporal variables. Six international male open-water swimmers completed a protocol which consisted of two training sets: a 6×100m individual medley and a continuous 800 m set in freestyle. Swimmers were equipped with a wearable sensor, the TritonWear to collect automatically spatial-temporal variables: speed, lap time, stroke count (SC), stroke length (SL), stroke rate (SR), and stroke index (SI). Video recordings were added as a “gold-standard” and used to assess the validity and the reliability of the TritonWear sensor. The results show that the sensor provides accurate results in comparison with video recording measurements. A very high accuracy was observed for lap time with a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) under 5% for each stroke (2.2, 3.2, 3.4, 4.1% for butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke and freestyle respectively) but high error ranges indicate a dependence on swimming technique. Stroke count accuracy was higher for symmetric strokes than for alternate strokes (MAPE: 0, 2.4, 7.1 & 4.9% for butterfly, breaststroke, backstroke & freestyle respectively). The other variables (SL, SR & SI) derived from the SC and the lap time also show good accuracy in all strokes. The wearable sensor provides an accurate real time feedback of spatial-temporal variables in six international open-water swimmers during classical training sets (at low to moderate intensities), which could be a useful tool for coaches, allowing them to monitor training load with no effort.

scholarly journals Validating Physiological and Biomechanical Parameters during Intermittent Swimming at Speed Corresponding to Lactate Concentration of 4 mmol·L−1

Sports ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 23
Author(s):  
Gavriil G. Arsoniadis ◽  
Ioannis S. Nikitakis ◽  
Petros G. Botonis ◽  
Ioannis Malliaros ◽  
Argyris G. Toubekis
Keyword(s):  
Blood Lactate ◽  
Perceived Exertion ◽  
Lactate Concentration ◽  
Blood Lactate Concentration ◽  
Constant Speed ◽  
Rating Of Perceived Exertion ◽  
Training Set ◽  
Front Crawl ◽  
Stroke Length ◽  
Biomechanical Parameters

Background: Physiological and biomechanical parameters obtained during testing need validation in a training setting. The purpose of this study was to compare parameters calculated by a 5 × 200-m test with those measured during an intermittent swimming training set performed at constant speed corresponding to blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol∙L−1 (V4). Methods: Twelve competitive swimmers performed a 5 × 200-m progressively increasing speed front crawl test. Blood lactate concentration (BL) was measured after each 200 m and V4 was calculated by interpolation. Heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), stroke rate (SR) and stroke length (SL) were determined during each 200 m. Subsequently, BL, HR, SR and SL corresponding to V4 were calculated. A week later, swimmers performed a 5 × 400-m training set at constant speed corresponding to V4 and BL-5×400, HR-5×400, RPE-5×400, SR-5×400, SL-5×400 were measured. Results: BL-5×400 and RPE-5×400 were similar (p > 0.05), while HR-5×400 and SR-5×400 were increased and SL-5×400 was decreased compared to values calculated by the 5 × 200-m test (p < 0.05). Conclusion: An intermittent progressively increasing speed swimming test provides physiological information with large interindividual variability. It seems that swimmers adjust their biomechanical parameters to maintain constant speed in an aerobic endurance training set of 5 × 400-m at intensity corresponding to 4 mmol∙L−1.

Quantitative analysis of the front crawl in men and women

1977 ◽  
Vol 43 (3) ◽  
pp. 475-479 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. R. Pendergast ◽  
P. E. Di Prampero ◽  
A. B. Craig ◽  
D. R. Wilson ◽  
D. W. Rennie
Keyword(s):  
Energy Cost ◽  
Mechanical Efficiency ◽  
Front Crawl ◽  
Unit Distance ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Proportionality Constant ◽  
Body Drag ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Competitive Swimmers ◽  
Energy Cost Of Swimming

Body drag, D, and the overall mechanical efficiency of swimming, e, were measured from the relationship between extra oxygen consumption and extra drag loads in 42 male and 22 female competitive swimmers using the front crawl at speeds ranging from 0.4 to 1.2 m/s. D increased from 3.4 (1.9) kg at 0.5 m/s to 8.2 (7.0) kg at 1.2 m/s, with D of women (in brackets) being significantly less (P less than 0.05) than that of men. Mechanical efficiency increased from 2.9% at 0.5 m/s to 7.4% at 1.2 m/s for men, the values for women being somewhat greater than those for men. The ratio, D/e was shown to be identical to the directly measured energy cost of swimming one unit distance, V02/d, and was independent of the velocity up to 1.2 m/s. It averaged 52 and 37 l/km for men and women respectively (P less than 0.05). When corrected for body surface area the values were 27 and 22 l/km-m2 for men and women, respectively (P less than 0.05). The underwater torque, T, a measure of the tendency of the feet to sink, was 1.44 kg-m for men and 0.70 kg-m for women (P less than 0.05). VO2/d increased linearly with T for both men and women of similar competitive experience. However, the proportionality constant delta VO2/d-delta T was significantly less for competitive than noncompetitive swimmers. The analysis of the relationship VO2/d vs. T provides a valuable approach to the understanding of the energetics of swimming.

scholarly journals Relationship between Swimming Performance, Biomechanical Variables and the Calculated Predicted 1-RM Push-up in Competitive Swimmers

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (21) ◽  
pp. 11395
Author(s):  
Sofiene Amara ◽  
Oussama Gaied Chortane ◽  
Yassine Negra ◽  
Raouf Hammami ◽  
Riadh Khalifa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Swimming Performance ◽  
Body Height ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
Stroke Index ◽  
Front Crawl ◽  
Body Strength ◽  
Velocity Relationship ◽  
Upper Body Strength ◽  
Competitive Swimmers ◽  
Push Up

One repetition maximum (1RM) push-ups, based upon the load–velocity relationship, are able to predict the maximum upper body strength. The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between the predicted 1RM push-up based upon the load–velocity relationship and swimming performance and kinematical variables in competitive swimmers. Thirty-three competitive male swimmers (age = 16.46 ± 0.59 years, body mass = 72.82 ± 8.41 kg, body height = 180.56 ± 5.69 cm) performed push-up exercises without a weight vest and with a 10, 20 and 30 kg weight vests. A load–velocity relationship was established as a product of the load and velocity of the push-up per participant, and the equation was used to establish a predicted 1RM. Our findings showed a predicted 1RM push-up of 82.98 ± 9.95 kg. Pearson correlations revealed a nearly perfect relationship between the 1RM push-up and the 25 or 50 m front crawl (r = −0.968, r = −0.955), and between 1RM push-up and the 25 or 50 m front crawl with arms (r = −0.955, r = x0.941). Similarly, our results revealed significant near-perfect correlations between 1RM push-up and kinematical variables (r = 0.93–0.96) except the stroke index, which had a large relationship (r = 0.56). This study suggests that swimming performance and kinematical variables are correlated with the predicted 1RM push-up. The 1RM push-up based upon the load–velocity relationship is a low cost and time-effective alternative for swimmers and coaches to predict maximum upper body strength to optimize swimming performance in short races.

scholarly journals Validating Physiological and Biomechanical Parameters During Intermittent Swimming at Speed Corresponding to Lactate Concentration of 4 mmol/L

Proceedings ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 15
Author(s):  
Arsoniadis ◽  
Nikitakis ◽  
Botonis ◽  
Malliaros ◽  
Toubekis
Keyword(s):  
Blood Lactate ◽  
Lactate Concentration ◽  
Blood Lactate Concentration ◽  
Constant Speed ◽  
Maximum Speed ◽  
Swimming Training ◽  
Training Set ◽  
Front Crawl ◽  
Stroke Length ◽  
Biomechanical Parameters

AIM: progressively increasing swimming speed test (5 × 200 m) is used to calculate the speed corresponding to blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol/L (V4) and related physiological and biomechanical parameters. The purpose of this study was to compare the calculated by a 5 × 200-m test parameters with those obtained during an intermittent swimming training set (5 × 400-m) performed at constant speed corresponding to V4. MATERIAL & METHOD: Twelve competitive male swimmers (age, 19 ± 2 years; height, 178 ± 8 cm; body mass, 74.4 ± 10.1 kg) performed a 5 × 200-m front crawl test reaching maximum speed in the last effort. Blood lactate concentration (BL) was measured after each 200 m, and heart rate (HR), stroke rate (SR), and stroke length (SL) were determined during each 200 m. V4 was calculated by interpolation using the individual speed vs. BL, and subsequently HR, SR, SL corresponding to V4 were calculated (HR-V4, SR-V4, SL-V4). One week later, swimmers performed 5 × 400-m at constant speed corresponding to V4. During the 5 × 400-m test, BL (BL-5 × 400) was measured after the 1st, 3rd and 5th repetitions, while HR (HR-5 × 400) was recorded continuously. SR and SL were measured in each 400-m repetition, and mean values were calculated (SR-5 × 400 and SL-5 × 400). RESULTS: V4 and HR-V4 were not different from speed and HR-5 × 400 during the 5 × 400-m test (1.30 ± 0.10 vs. 1.29 ± 0.10 m/s; 160 ± 14 vs. 166 ± 13 b/min, both p > 0.05). BL-5 × 400 was not different from 4 mmol/L (4.9 ± 2.6 mmol/L, p > 0.05). SR was increased and SL was decreased during 5 × 400 m compared to the values corresponding to V4 (SR-V4, 28.9 ± 3.8 vs. SR-5 × 400, 34.5 ± 3.4 strokes/min; SL-V4, 2.38 ± 0.33 vs. SL-5 × 400, 2.25 ± 0.30 m/cycle, both p < 0.05). A Bland-and-Altman plot indicated agreement between variables obtained by the 5 × 200-m and 5 × 400-m tests but with great range of variation (bias: BL, −1.0 ± 2.6 mmol/L; HR, −7 ± 12 b/min; SR, −5.6 ± 3.3 strokes/min; SL, 0.13 ± 0.09 m/cycle). CONCLUSIONS: An intermittent, with progressively increasing speed, swimming test provides physiological information to coaches to apply during an intermittent constant-speed swimming training set at intensity corresponding to BL of 4 mmol/L with large inter-individual variability. It seems that the 5 × 200-m test does not provide valid results for the biomechanical parameters.

scholarly journals Physiological and Biomechanical Evaluation of a Training Macrocycle in Children Swimmers

Sports ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 57
Author(s):  
Sara Ferreira ◽  
Diogo Carvalho ◽  
Ana Monteiro ◽  
J. Abraldes ◽  
J. Vilas-Boas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physiological Responses ◽  
Maximum Intensity ◽  
Stroke Index ◽  
Stroke Rate ◽  
Physiological Changes ◽  
Front Crawl ◽  
Stroke Length ◽  
Performance Change ◽  
Biomechanical Evaluation ◽  
Performance Gains

Physiological responses related to 400-m front crawl performance were examined in a 11-week training macrocycle in children 11.6 ± 1.2 years old. Fourteen girls and twenty-nine boys completed a maximum intensity 400-m test, at the beginning (Τ1) and at the end of four weeks of general preparation (Τ2), four weeks of specific preparation (Τ3), and three weeks of the competitive period (Τ4). Blood lactate (La), blood glucose (Glu) and heart rate were measured post effort. Stroke rate (SR), stroke length (SL) and stroke index (SI) were measured during the test. The 400-m time was decreased at T2, T3, and T4 compared to T1 by 4.2 ± 4.9, 7.5 ± 7.0, and 8.6 ± 7.3% (p < 0.05) and at T3 and T4 compared to T2 by 3.1 ± 4.3 and 4.2 ± 4.6%, respectively (p < 0.05). La was not different between tests (p > 0.05) and Glu was decreased at T3 compared to other testing moments (p < 0.05). SR, SL, and SI were higher at T3 and T4 compared to T1 (p < 0.05). SL and SI were also increased at T4 compared to T2 (p < 0.05). Performance changes from T1 to T2 were related to SL and SI changes (r = 0.45 and 0.83, p < 0.05), and subsequent changes between T2 to T3 were related to SR, SI, La, and Glu changes (r = 0.48, 0.68, 0.34, and 0.42, p < 0.05). Performance change from T3 to T4 was related to SL, SI, and La modifications (r = 0.34, 0.70, and 0.53, p < 0.05). Performance gains may be related to various biomechanical or physiological changes according to training macrocycle structure.

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