Turn Fast and Win: The Importance of Acyclic Phases in Top-Elite Female Swimmers

Born, Dennis-Peter; Kuger, Joris; Polach, Marek; Romann, Michael

doi:10.3390/sports9090122

Cited by 14 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 21 publications

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“…Therefore, total turn times were determined as Total-10 (from 5 m before to 5 m following wall contact) and Total-15 (from 5 m before to 10 m following wall contact). Inter-rater reliability of turn times was reported previously with an intra-class correlation coefficient of 0.99 for males [16] and 1.00 for female swimmers [24].…”

Section: Data Collectionsupporting

confidence: 54%

“…The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of the Swiss Federal Institute of Sport Magglingen (Reg.-Nr. 098-LSP-191119) as part of a larger investigation of swimming race data [16,24] and is in accordance with the ethical principles for studies involving human subjects (Helsinki Declaration) of the World Medical Association (WMA). No written informed consent was required as participants of the European Swimming Championships are video monitored for television broadcasting and race analysis by the organizer of the event Ligue Européenne de Natation (LEN).…”

Section: Subject Characteristicsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Institutional Review Board Statementmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Turn Performance Variation in European Elite Short-Course Swimmers

Cuenca-Fernández

Ruiz-Navarro

Polach

et al. 2022

IJERPH

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Turn performances are important success factors for short-course races, and more consistent turn times may distinguish between higher and lower-ranked swimmers. Therefore, this study aimed to determine coefficients of variation (CV) and performance progressions (∆%) of turn performances. The eight finalists and eight fastest swimmers from the heats that did not qualify for the semi-finals, i.e., from 17th to 24th place, of the 100, 200, 400, and 800 (females only)/1500 m (males only) freestyle events at the 2019 European Short Course Championships were included, resulting in a total of 64 male (finalists: age: 22.3 ± 2.6, FINA points: 914 ± 31 vs. heats: age: 21.5 ± 3.1, FINA points: 838 ± 74.9) and 64 female swimmers (finalists: age: 22.9 ± 4.8, FINA points: 904 ± 24.5 vs. heats: age: 20.1 ± 3.6, FINA points: 800 ± 48). A linear mixed model was used to compare inter- and intra-individual performance variation. Interactions between CVs, ∆%, and mean values were analyzed using a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results showed impaired turn performances as the races progressed. Finalists showed faster turn section times than the eight fastest non-qualified swimmers from the heats (p < 0.001). Additionally, turn section times were faster for short-, i.e., 100 and 200 m, than middle- and long-distance races, i.e., 400 to 1500 m races (p < 0.001). Regarding variation in turn performance, finalists showed lower CVs and ∆% for all turn section times (0.74% and 1.49%) compared to non-qualified swimmers (0.91% and 1.90%, respectively). Similarly, long-distance events, i.e., 800/1500 m, showed lower mean CVs and higher mean ∆% (0.69% and 1.93%) than short-distance, i.e., 100 m events (0.93% and 1.39%, respectively). Regarding turn sections, the largest CV and ∆% were found 5 m before wall contact (0.70% and 1.45%) with lower CV and more consistent turn section times 5 m after wall contact (0.42% and 0.54%). Non-qualified swimmers should aim to match the superior turn performances and faster times of finalists in all turn sections. Both finalists and non-qualified swimmers should pay particular attention to maintaining high velocities when approaching the wall as the race progresses.

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Section: Data Collectionsupporting

confidence: 54%

Section: Subject Characteristicsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Institutional Review Board Statementmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Turn Performance Variation in European Elite Short-Course Swimmers

Cuenca-Fernández

Ruiz-Navarro

Polach

et al. 2022

IJERPH

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“…In addition to the effect of start performance on Split Times of Lap 1, previous results in short-course races have shown a close relationship between the first 25 m Split Time and Start Time ( 8 , 19 ), which contributes to almost 20%–25% of the final performance of 50 m races and 8%–11% of the 100 m races ( 14 , 20 , 21 ). However, the percentage contribution of start performance is as low as ∼5% in 200 m races ( 14 , 15 , 22 ). This small contribution to Total Time may explain why some swimmers focus on other race elements when racing over 200 m. This finding is also in line with the more pronounced difference between 1 st and last lap in 100 m compared to 200 m races ( Figures 1 , 2 ; Plot A), which has previously been explained by a more pronounced positive pacing strategy adopted in 100 m races ( 4 ), compared to the more even pacing strategy ( 3 ) chosen for 200 m races.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Short-course performance variation across all race sections: How 100 and 200 m elite male swimmers progress between rounds

Cuenca-Fernández

Ruiz-Navarro

Polach

et al. 2023

Front. Sports Act. Living

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IntroductionTo investigate performance variation in all race sections, i.e., start, clean swimming, and turns, of elite short-course races for all swimming strokes and to determine the effect of performance variation on race results.MethodsComparing finalists and non-qualified swimmers, a total of 256 races of male swimmers (n = 128, age: 23.3 ± 3.1, FINA points: 876 ± 38) competing in the European short-course swimming championships were analyzed. The coefficient of variation (CV) and relative change in performance (Δ%) were used to compare intra-individual performance progression between rounds and inter-individual differences between performance levels using a linear mixed model.ResultsWhile most performance variables declined during the races (P < 0.005), performance was better maintained in 200 m compared to 100 m races, as well as in finalists compared to non-qualified swimmers. In 100 m races, Start Times improved between heats, semi-finals, and finals (P < 0.005) and contributed to the improved Split Times of Lap 1 in freestyle (P = 0.001, Δ = −1.09%), breaststroke (P < 0.001; Δ = −2.48%), and backstroke (P < 0.001; Δ = −1.72%). Swimmers increased stroke rate from heats/semi-finals to finals in freestyle (P = 0.015, Δ = 3.29%), breaststroke (P = 0.001, Δ = 6.91%), and backstroke (P = 0.005; Δ = 3.65%). Increases in stroke length and clean-swimming speed were only significant between rounds for breaststroke and backstroke (P < 0.005). In 200 m races, Total Time remained unchanged between rounds (P > 0.05), except for breaststroke (P = 0.008; CV = 0.7%; Δ = −0.59%). Start (P = 0.004; Δ = −1.72%) and Split Times (P = 0.009; Δ = −0.61%) only improved in butterfly. From the turn variables, OUT_5 m times improved towards the finals in breaststroke (P = 0.006; Δ = −1.51%) and butterfly (P = 0.016; Δ = −2.19%). No differences were observed for SR and SL, while clean-swimming speed improved between rounds in breaststroke only (P = 0.034; Δ = 0.96%).DiscussionPerformance of finalists progressed between rounds in 100 m but not 200 m races, most probably due to the absence of semi-finals. Progression in 100 m races was mainly attributed to improved Start and Split Times in Lap 1, while turn performances remained unchanged. Within round comparison showed higher performance maintenance in 200 m compared to 100 m events, which showed more pronounced positive pacing. Success of finalists was attributed to their overall higher performance level and superior progression between rounds.

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“…However, race section times and key performance indicators may not develop equally to race times. As start performance correlated with the swimmers' strength abilities (West et al, 2011), on-land training routines and strength and conditioning programs are specifically designed to improve the acyclic phases, i.e., start and turn performances (Bishop et al, 2013), which became increasingly important indicators for modern swim races (Morais et al, 2019;Born et al, 2021;Polach et al, 2021). Indeed, the new world record in the men's 1,500 m short-course freestyle (FR) event was broken by improved turns rather than clean swimming performance (Polach et al, 2021;Polach and Born, 2022).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Performance Development of European Swimmers Across the Olympic Cycle

Born

Schönfelder

Logan

et al. 2022

Front. Sports Act. Living

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The aims of the study were to (1) quantify the performance development of race times and key performance indicators of European swimmers across the last Olympic cycle (from 2016 to 2021) and (2) provide reference values for long-course swimming pool events for both sexes from 50 m to 1,500 m including butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle, and individual medley. Individual events from the 2016 and 2021 European swimming championships were included. Specifically, 246 men (age: 24.2 ± 3.4 years, FINA points: 890 ± 40) and 256 women races (age: 24.2 ± 4, FINA points: 879 ± 38) of the finalists were recorded and key performance indicators and split times analyzed. Performance differences in finalists of the 2016 and 2021 European championships were determined by an independent t-test and Cohen's d effect size. Reference values were retrieved from 2021 European championship finalists and are provided for all key performance indicators. Race times improved significantly (P < 0.05) or showed moderate (d = 0.5–1) to large effect sizes (d > 1) in 14 (men) and 6 (women) out of 16 events. Improvements were primarily evident in 100 m and 200 m events for males, as well as BR and sprint events for female swimmers. While start times improved in 15 (men) and 14 (women) events, turn times remained inconclusive in both sexes. Generally, breakout distances increased. Clean swimming velocities were faster in 12 (men) and 5 (women) events. In particular, for alternating swimming strokes, i.e., backstroke and freestyle, effect sizes indicated improved swimming efficiency with an inverse relationship between reduced stroke rate and increased distance per stroke. Coaches and performance analysts may use the present reference values as comparative data for race analyses and to specifically prepare swimmers for the various race sections. Data on the performance development should be used to analyze swimmers' potential and set goals for the various events and the next Olympic cycle.

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Turn Fast and Win: The Importance of Acyclic Phases in Top-Elite Female Swimmers

Cited by 14 publications

References 21 publications

Turn Performance Variation in European Elite Short-Course Swimmers

Turn Performance Variation in European Elite Short-Course Swimmers

Short-course performance variation across all race sections: How 100 and 200 m elite male swimmers progress between rounds

Performance Development of European Swimmers Across the Olympic Cycle

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