Correlations between Crawl Kinematics and Speed with Morphologic, Functional, and Anaerobic Parameters in Competitive Swimmers

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between a unique complex of predictors and 100 m front crawl race kinematics and swimming speed. In 28 male competitive swimmers (age: 19.6 ± 2.59 years), the following groups of predictors were assessed: (a) the morphologic, (b) the functional upper limb range of motion, and (c) the anaerobic indices of arm-cranking and a series of countermovement jumps. The Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient was calculated to distinguish the predictors and the swimming results. The main finding was that the indices of the power (arm-cranking) and the work (countermovement jump) generated in the anaerobic tests showed a significant and higher correlation with stroke length and stroke index than total body length, upper limb range of motion, or hand and forearm surface area. These results were obtained in accordance with the high swimming economy index relation to clear surface swimming speed. This study reveals that the strength generated by the limbs may represent a predictor of swimming kinematics in a 100 m front crawl performance.

Exploring Indicators for Training Load Control in Young Swimmers: The Role of Inspiratory Spirometry Outcomes

“…Notably, Sirieiro et al [ 13 ] recognized the CMJ as a specific exercise for assessing the impact of training set configuration on young swimmers. Moreover, Strzala et al [ 14 ] made a compelling discovery, suggesting the CMJ’s utility as a parameter for regulating training loads among elite competitive swimmers. Their work establishes a correlation between CMJ height and enhanced performance in the 100 m freestyle.…”

Performance Tiers within a Competitive Age Group of Young Swimmers Are Characterized by Different Kinetic and Kinematic Behaviors

“…As swimmers' capacity to move through the water depends on the amount of applied propulsion and resistive forces as opposed to the forward motion, kinetic parameters should also be deeply tested [3]. In front crawl, swimmers propel themselves forward mainly using arm-pulling actions [4] as a consequence of muscular contractions due to biochemical energy production [5]. It is noteworthy that hands have paramount importance to overall propulsion among the hands, upper arm, and forearm [6,7].…”