Biomechanical Analysis of the Backstroke Start Technique in Swimming (original) (raw)

Kinematical and neuromuscular aspects related to performance during the swimming start

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the performance of the start off the swimming block with kinematical and neuromuscular parameters (flight distance and flight time). Ten male swimmers (26.4 ± 6.6 years, 76.4 ± 6.6 kg, 1.81 ± 0.07 m) participated in the study. A video camera (30 Hz) was used to obtain the kinematic variables: flight distance, flight time, maximum height, start angle and entry angle. Muscle power was assessed via the performance of a Squat Jump on a force plate. Jump height, power and peak of velocity were analyzed. Pearson correlation was used to correlate kinematic and neuromuscular variables with starting performance. The level of significance was set at 5%. A significant correlation between the starting angle and both the flight distance (r = -0.59) and the flight time (r = 0.88) were found; also, a positive correlation was found between maximum height and flight time (r = 0.59). No significant correlation between swimming start per...

Kinematic analysis of above- and underwater swim start phases of male swimmers aged 16–18 years

Human Movement, 2021

Purpose. swim start technique analysis is usually conducted in elite swimmers or only limited to above-water phases. the aim of the study was to analyse kinematic parameters of above-and underwater kick start phases among young male swimmers. Methods. the study group comprised male swimmers (FINA points per 100-m freestyle: 525 ± 84). the subjects performed a 15-m front crawl with kick start. the trials were recorded above and below water with 3 recording devices synchronized with the starting signal. Kinematic analysis by using 2 models (above-and underwater) of body was done. On the basis of time to cover 15 m, 2 groups were distinguished: quickly (Fs) and slowly (ss) performing the swim start. Results. Fs and ss demonstrated differences (p < 0.05) regarding hip joint height at starting signal (1.56 ± 0.05 m vs. 1.45 ± 0.05 m), push-off angle (23.89 ± 6.50° vs. 35.12 ± 3.43°), hip joint angle upon completing push-off (163.83 ± 8.37° vs. 149.73 ± 9.93°), and horizontal velocity during flight (3.70 ± 0.35 m/s vs. 3.24 ± 0.22 m/s), submersion (4.88 ± 0.09 m/s vs. 4.36 ± 0.22 m/s), and glide phase (3.40 ± 0.17 m/s vs. 2.99 ± 0.29 m/s). Conclusions. the obtained results indicate that position on the block significantly influences the movement course in consecutive phases. Young competitors should aim towards elevated hip positioning, allowing to maximize horizontal velocity during the flight, submersion, and glide phases.

Electromyographic Analysis of the Backstroke Start with Different Feet Positions

Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 2011

The aim of this study was to assess the electromyographic (EMG) activity of Bíceps Brachii, Tríceps Brachii, Deltoideus Anterior, Erector Spinae Longissimus, Rectus Femoris, Gluteus Maximus Gastrocnemius Medialis, muscles at two variants of the backstroke start, one performed with the feet parallel and entirely immerged (BSFI) and the other with the feet parallel and entirely emerged (BSFE). Four high level swimmers performed a 4x15 m maximal protocol of BSFI and BSFE. In both start variants the upper limbs muscles are mainly required during the initial start phases: (i) for BSFI, the Gastrocnemius Medialis showed greater electrical activity at takeoff phase than handsoff and flight phases, and (ii) for BSFE, Erector Spinae Longissimus, Gluteus Maximus and Rectus Femoris registered similar electrical activity at hands-off and takeoff phases.

The Transition from Underwater to Surface Swimming During the Push-off Start in Competitive Swimmers

Journal of Human Kinetics, 2020

The objective of the present study was to analyze (based on gender and the style of swimming) the kinematic parameters of the transition phase between underwater swimming and surface swimming after the push-off start in competitive national swimmers. Seventy-four swimmers participating in the Spanish Swimming Championships were filmed and analyzed by DLT-2D photogrammetry during the start with the push-off in crawl, backstroke and butterfly styles. Between genders there were small differences in the distance and speed of transition. The male swimmers travelled greater distances (0.84 ± 0.04 vs. 0.66 ± 0.04 m, η2 = 0.05, F = 10.34, p < 0.001) and they were faster (1.59 ± 0.03 vs. 1.38 ± 0.03 m/s, η2 = 0.08, F = 19.54, p < 0.001) in the transition phase than female swimmers. Among styles there were greater differences in time (η2 = 0.47, F = 94.50, p < 0.001) and transition distance (η2 = 0.38, F = 67.08, p < 0.001), than in speed (η2 = 0.05, F = 5.63, p < 0.001). Durin...

Neuromuscular Activity of Upper and Lower Limbs during two Backstroke Swimming Start Variants

Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 2015

A proficient start is decisive in sprint competitive swimming events and requires swimmers' to exert maximal forces in a short period to complete the task successfully. The aim of this study was to compare the electromyographic (EMG) activity in-between the backstroke start with feet positioned parallel and partially emerged performed with the hands on the highest horizontal and on the vertical handgrip at hands-off, take-off, flight and entry start phases. EMG comparisons between starting variants were supported by upper and lower limb joint angles at starting position and 15 m start time data. Following a four-week start training to familiarize participants with each start variant, 10 male competitive backstroke swimmers performed randomly six 15 m maximal trials, being three of each start variant. Surface EMG of Biceps Brachii, Triceps Brachii, Rectus Femoris, Biceps Femoris, Gastrocnemius Medialis and Tibialis Anterior was recorded and processed using the time integral EMG (...

Backstroke-to-Breaststroke Turns Muscular Activity. A Study Conducted in Age Group Swimmers

Journal of Sports Science and Medicine

The aims of this study were to compare surface electromyographic (EMG) activity and kinematic variables among open, somersault, bucket and crossover backstroke-to-breaststroke turning techniques, and identify relationships between the integrated electromyography (iEMG) and kinematics profile focusing on the rotation and push-off efficacy. Following a four-week of systematically increasing contextual interference intervention program, eight 12.38 ± 0.55 years old male swimmers randomly performed twelve repetitions (three in each technique) turns in and out of the wall at maximum speed until the 7.5 m reference mark. Surface EMG values of the right vastus lateralis, biceps femoris, tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius medialis, rectus abdominis, external oblique, erector spinae and latissimus dorsi were recorded and processed using the integrated electromyography (iEMG) and the total integrated electromyography (TiEMG) that was expressed as a percentage of iEMGmax to normalize per unit of...

Instructions to Authors for Manuscripts to be Published in the Biomechanics and Medicine in Swimming XI. Title Length not to Exceed 150 Characters Empty

2000

Biomechanics and Medicine in Swimming XI is the book of proceedings of the IX International Symposium for Biomechanics and Medicine in Swimming. These instructions explain how to prepare and type the paper so that it is clear, attractive, and consistent with the other papers in the book. They give guidance on layout, typing style, illustrations, copyright and references. These instructions must be carefully followed by the authors and they are intended to be a model for authors to copy. The deadline for Submission of full text papers is January 18 th , 2010. The abstract of the manuscript should provide sufficient information for readers to fully assess the aims, methods, results and implications of the research. The abstract must not contain more than 10 lines. Do not use a heading for the abstract and write the abstract as an unbroken single paragraph.

Bio-mechanisms of Swimming and Flying

Springer eBooks, 2004

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Muscle Activation in World-Champion, World-Class, and National Breaststroke Swimmers

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 2017

Purpose:To investigate the muscle-activation patterns and coactivation with the support of kinematics in some of the world’s best breaststrokers and identify performance discriminants related to national elites at maximal effort.Methods:Surface electromyography was collected in 8 muscles from 4 world-class (including 2 world champions) and 4 national elite breaststroke swimmers during a 25-m breaststroke at maximal effort.Results:World-class spent less time during the leg recovery (P = .043), began this phase with a smaller knee angle (154.6° vs 161.8°), and had a higher median velocity of 0.18 m/s during the leg glide than national elites. Compared with national elites, world-class swimmers showed a difference in the muscle-activation patterns for all 8 muscles. In the leg-propulsion phase, there was less triceps brachii activation (1 swimmer 6% vs median 23.0% [8.8]). In the leg-glide phase, there was activation in rectus femoris and gastrocnemius during the beginning of this phas...