Stroke Kinematics, Temporal Patterns, Neuromuscular Activity, Pacing and Kinetics in Elite Breaststroke Swimming: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background Breaststroke is a technically complex stroke characterised by discontinuous propulsive phases, large intracyclic velocity variation and low mean velocity. The performance of this stroke at an elite level is influenced by a number of biomechanical, physiological and psychological factors. The present systematic review aimed to synthesise the biomechanical factors influencing elite breaststroke swimming performance. This review aims to provide elite coaches and performance scientists with a breadth of knowledge from which training and racing interventions can be developed. Methods Electronic searches of Medline, Scopus and SPORTDiscus databases were conducted in May 2020 and March 2022. Search results that were peer-reviewed, published in English and published during or after the year 2000 were considered for review. The methodological rigour of studies was assessed using a risk of bias scale previously used for the evaluation of sports science research. Results Thirty-eight articles were included in the present review. Articles investigated elite breaststroke performance in relation to one of the following areas: stroke kinematics, temporal patterns, neuromuscular activity, pacing and kinetics. Discussion Kinematic, temporal and neuromuscular activity comparisons between groups of various race distance, performance or experience level, and athlete sex were common in the literature. These analyses demonstrated differences in stroke rate, stroke length, propulsive time, recovery time, glide time, sum of total integrated EMG and triceps brachii activation patterns between groups. The evaluation of various pacing strategies, and the relationship between kinetics and breaststroke performance was comparatively rare within the literature. Further research into the relationship between kinetics and breaststroke performance, and the manipulation of pacing strategy would increase the breadth of knowledge from which coaches and performance scientists can develop evidence-based training and racing interventions.

From dry-land to the water: training and testing practices of strength and conditioning coaches in high level French sprint swimmers

“…Indeed, the four strokes have been shown as kinematically different (43) but also from a neuromuscular point of view (44). For example, breaststroke has specific electromyographic features compared to other strokes (muscle level of recruitment and coordination) (45), especially concerning lower limb muscles activation (46). This specificity leads some coaches to use, for example, the sumo squat variation in order to activate in a more significant way the gluteal muscles, quadriceps and hamstrings which are particularly involved in this stroke (47).…”

Analysis of the competition programmes of elite and sub-elite swimmers: The influence of sex, stroke and race distance

“…LC and SC breaststroke swimmers required a greater number of days from first to fastest swim compared to other strokes (mean days =53.96 & 29.30) During training, breaststroke swimmers may use other strokes, for example, front-crawl, to support the development of their aerobic capacity, 31 alongside breaststroke specific work. As breaststroke is both a demanding (i.e., energy expenditure during breaststroke swimming is highest between the four strokes) and technical stroke, 32,33 which requires swimmers to make numerous changes in body shape to develop and refine their technique 34 (possibly more than the other strokes). It therefore maybe be postulated that a longer transition to an efficient technical performance in competition and longer tapering period may be needed, resulting in a larger number of races and days to fastest performance.…”

Integration of project based learning models with interactive multimedia: Innovative efforts to improve student breaststroke swimming skills

“…The movement starts from the first arm swing after sliding and the body must remain face down and both shoulders parallel to the surface of the water [20]. In addition, the breaststroke becomes the only competitive stroke [21], and the complex is also characterized by an intermittent propulsion phase [22]. A study by Strzała says that success in breaststroke swimming turns out that most of the power is reinforced by the kicking motion of the breaststroke and is considered the most responsible [23].…”