Science of Swimming Research Papers (original) (raw)

Quality teaching is inseparable from the
learning strategies applied in delivering material in theory
and practice. However, implementing learning strategies
that will provide meaningful learning and a learning
atmosphere for students is not an easy matter because
students are unique individuals, different from one another,
especially in their cognitive, affective, and psychomotor
aspects. Based on this, lecturers must have sufficient
initiative, knowledge, competence, and adequate
conceptual power to implement an effective lecture
strategy. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of
learning freestyle swimming by using the ISLAMT2E
learning strategy for students. This study used an
experimental method with a randomized pretest-posttest
control group. The research subjects were 40 people in the
experimental group and 40 people in the control group. The
conclusion of this study proves that learning to swim
freestyle using the ISLAMT2E strategy on static swimming
tools has been proven to be effective in improving students'
swimming skills. The magnitude of the increase in
students' swimming skills in the experimental group was
seven people (17.5%) in the low category, 33 people
(82.5%) had the moderate category, and 0% high category.
In the control group, the increase in swimming in the low
category was 31 people (77.5%), nine people (22.5%) in
the moderate category, and the high category 0%. This
means that there are differences in learning outcomes of
freestyle swimming skills between the experimental group
and the control group.

- by
- •
- Human Movement Science, Science of Swimming, Sports Sciences

Quantitative evaluation of synergic action among the different body segments is funda- mental to swimming performance. The aim of the present study was to develop an easy-to-use tool for stroke-by-stroke evaluation of a swimmer’s integrated timing of stroking, kicking, and breathing. Twelve swimmers were evaluated during one trial of 100 m front-crawl swimming at self-selected speed. Five three-axial inertial sensors were mounted on the head, wrists, and ankles. Algorithms for the wrist entry into the water, the lower limb beat during the downward action, and the exit/entry of the face from/into the water were developed. Temporal events identified by video-based technique, using one sagittal moving camera, were assumed as the gold standard. The performance was evaluated in terms of the root-mean-square error, 90th percentile of absolute error, coefficient of variation, Bland–Altman plots, and correlation analysis. Results of all temporal events showed high agreement with the gold standard, confirmed by a root-mean-square error of less than 0.05 s for absolute temporal parameters and less than 0.7% for the percentages of the stroke cycle duration, and with correlation coefficients higher than 0.856. The protocol proposed was not only accurate and reliable, but also user-friendly and as unobtrusive as possible for the swimmer, allowing a stroke-by-stroke analysis during the training session.

- by Claudio Quagliarotti and +1
- •
- Biomechanics, Swimming, Sports, Kinematics

Aim. Optimal balance between training intensity and recovery is of particular importance for elite swimmers in order to improve their results. The aim of this study was to record the dynamics of training distress, performance, and excretion of cortisol and cortisone in urine during six weeks of training in elite swimmers. Materials and Methods. Twenty-four participants (10 women and 14 men) from the national swimming team of Bulgaria took part in this study, with an average age of 18.7 ± 3.78 years. Training distress (TDS) and urine concentration of cortisol and cortisone were evaluated every two weeks. In total, the measurements were taken on the 1-st (T1), 14-th (T2), 28-th (T3) and 42-nd days (T4). Anthropometric measurements were also taken at T1 and T4, and body fat percentage and muscle mass percentage were calculated by skinfold methods. Results. The TDS score at T4 (6.92 ±7.15) was significantly lower than this at T1 (14.96 ± 10.63) and T2 (15.21 ± 12.44). The concentrations of cortisol at T3 (35.9 ± 47.7) and T4 (35.0 ± 24.2) were also significantly lower than that registered at T1 (82.7 ± 62.8). The concentration of cortisone did not show any significant differences across T1 to T4, but the sum of cortisol and cortisone urine concentration was significantly lower in T3 and T4 vs T1. Conclusion. The significantly reduced cortisol concentration in urine in T4, as well as the sum of the concentrations of cortisol and cortisone, were in line with the reduction of the TDS score in T4.

- by Nikolai Izov and +2
- •
- Cortisol, Swimming training, Science of Swimming, Cortisone
- by TareKk Swim
- •
- Swimming biomechanics, Science of Swimming

Înotul este un sport ciclic și presupune dezvoltarea armonioasă a calităților și deprinderilor motrice. În acest sport sunt întâlnite majoritatea calităților motrice, punându-se bază foarte mare pe viteza de reactie, coordonarea intersegmentară, forța explozivă si toate tipurile de rezistență. Înotul de performanță este practicat atât de amatori cât și de sportivi profesioniști și este prezent la toate edițiile Jocurilor Olimpice Moderne.

- by George Muresan
- •
- Science of Swimming

In this paper, Lagrangian coherent structure (LCS) concept is applied to wake flows generated in the up/down-stream of a swimming nematode C. elegans in an intermediate Re number range, i.e., 250-1200. It materializes Lagrangian hidden structures depicting flow transport barriers. To pursue the goals, nematode swimming in a quiescent fluid flow environment is numerically simulated by a two-way fluid-structure interaction (FSI) approach with the aid of immersed boundary method (IBM). In this regard, incompressible Navier-Stokes equations, fully-coupled with Lagrangian deformation equations for the immersed body, are solved using IB2d code. For all simulations, nematode's body is modeled with a parametrized spring-fiber built-in case available in the computational code. Reverse von-Kármán vortex street formation and vortex shedding characteristics are studied and discussed in details via LCS approach, including grid resolution, integration time and Reynolds number effects. Results unveil presence of different flow regions with distinct fluid particle fates in the swimming animal's wake and formation of so-called 'mushroom-shaped' structures in attracting LCS identities.

The evidence of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) without asthma (EIBw A) occurring in athletes led to speculate about different endotypes inducing respiratory symptoms within athletes. Classical postulated mechanisms for bronchial obstruction in this population include the osmotic and the thermal hypotheses. More recently, the presence of epithelial injury and inflammation in the airways of athletes was demonstrated. In addition, neuronal activation has been suggested as a potential modulator of bronchoconstriction. Investigation of these emerging mechanisms is of major importance as EIB is a significant problem for both recreational and competitive athletes and is the most common chronic condition among Olympic athletes, with obvious implications for their competing performance, health and quality of life. Hereby, we summarize the latest achievements in this area and identify the current gaps of knowledge so that future research heads toward better defining the etiologic factors and mechanisms involved in development of EIB in elite athletes as well as essential aspects to ultimately propose preventive and therapeutic measures.

- by L. Delgado
- •
- Exercise Physiology, Asthma, Asthma In Children, Sport And Exercise Psychology

The study aimed to identify the impact of Sportive Anxiety on the learning of non-practicing students of swimming in physical education at the University of Jerusalem. The study was conducted on a sample of (69) male and female students, data were collected via a questionnaire developed by the researchers. Results showed that there were no statistically significant differences at the level of (0.05), and each distinguished player could teach physical education. The results showed that there were no statistically significant differences at (0.05) in the impact of supportive anxiety on Practitioners of swimming sport specialization according to the variables of (gender, school year). Researchers recommended that there should be a development in educational plans in colleges, curricula, courses, interest in providing the appropriate equipment and staff training.

- by Sabrina Peron
- •
- Swimming, Swim, Science of Swimming, Open Water Swimming

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between short distance swimming performance and repeated sprint ability in swimmers. 12 male swimmers between the ages of 14-18 from Denizli Pamukkale University Swimming Sports Club Performance team voluntarily participated at this study. Freestyle swimming time of the subjects was measured by using Casio stopwatch. 8x15-m, 25-m, 50-m and 100-m freestyle swimming degrees of swimmers were recorded. The ideal sprint time (IS), the total sprint time (TS) and the performance decrement (PD) were determined after repeated sprint test (RST). Lactate levels were recorded at the end of each test. The Borg scale was used to determine the perceived difficulty level. For the statistical analysis Pearson’s correlation was used to determine the correlations between 25-m, 50-m and 100-m freestyle swimming time and swimming times obtained at the end of RST (IS, TS, PD). Significant relationships were found between the 25-m, 50-m and 100-m swimming performance (p<0.01). Significant correlations were found between the IS and the TS and the 25-m and 50-m swim results (p<0.01) and also the 100-m swim results (p<0.05). Significant relationships were found between obtained lactate values end of the 25-m, 50-m and 8x15-m RST (p<0.05). Significant correlations were found between the 50-m lactate values and 25-m lactate values (p<0.05); also between 50-m lactate values and 8x15-m RST lactate values (p<0.01). There was no significant relationship between 100-m lactate values and 25-m, 50-m and 8x15-m RST lactate values (p>0.05). Significant relationships were found between 8x15-m RST lactate values and 25-m lactate values (p<0.05). Moreover, strong relations were found between the 8x15-m RST lactate values and 50-m lactate values (p<0.01). The findings of the present study indicated that repeated sprint ability as well as higher anaerobic capability as reflected by the short distance. The results also indicated that repeated sprint ability is strongly related to swim sprint performance.

The current research aims to identify the effects of 800 m freestyle swimming race on the concentration levels of lactic acid and other biochemical variables before and after performance. And variance rate and effect size of lactic acid on some biochemical variables before and after 800 m freestyle swimming race. The researchers used the descriptive approach. The researchers perpetually chose (14) 800 m freestyle swimmers representing their zone in all national championships and who were registered at the Egyptian Federation of Swimming (17-19 years). Results indicated that:-Concentrations of lactic acid and lactate dehydrogenase after 800 m freestyle swimming race increased by (87.28%) and (51.97%) respectively.-Concentrations of calcium and phosphor after 800 m freestyle swimming race increased by (8.80%) and (33.26%) respectively.-Effect size of lactic acid on some biochemical variables that induce fatigue in 800 m freestyle swimmers were between (0.149-0.729) before the race and (0.507-1.000) after the race.-The increase of some biochemical variables leads to increases in muscular acidosis that in turn decreases the physiological abilities of muscles and induces fatigue.

- by Mohammed Nader Shalaby
- •
- Sports Medicine, Exercise Physiology, Sports Performance, Swimming

Swimming hydrodinamics have significiantly applied BCF to techniques. In addition research on undulatory motion, undulatory BCF anguilliform, and undulatroy MPF could give interesting conclusions. These natural modes are seen as alternative to BCF techniques introducing some missing elements as buoyancy, gliding and floating to complement the scale of man's hydrodynamics. Study draws conclusion from hydrodynamic properties of caphalodops as implied to human kinetics, discerning significant patterns, as floating, puddle, undulation or swim efficiency. In biomechanical aspect meduzoi and aguilliform shows positive results: low Reynolds number, low viscous forces, stability, great luminar flow, linear momentum and efficient velocity.

- by lepota cosmo
- •
- Swimming, Swimming biomechanics, Swimming training, Science of Swimming

Case control evaluation of an IPE in a swimmer

- by Franchek Drobnic
- •
- Diuretics, Science of Swimming, Acetazolamide, Pulmonary function test

- by muharrem öznalbant
- •
- Sociology of Sport, Sport Psychology, Mathematics, Sports Medicine

Quantitative evaluation of synergic action among the different body segments is fundamental to swimming performance. The aim of the present study was to develop an easy-to-use tool for stroke-by-stroke evaluation of a swimmer’s integrated timing of stroking, kicking, and breathing. Twelve swimmers were evaluated during one trial of 100 m front-crawl swimming at self-selected speed. Five three-axial inertial sensors were mounted on the head, wrists, and ankles. Algorithms for the wrist entry into the water, the lower limb beat during the downward action, and the exit/entry of the face from/into the water were developed. Temporal events identified by video-based technique, using one sagittal moving camera, were assumed as the gold standard. The performance was evaluated in terms of the root-mean-square error, 90th percentile of absolute error, coefficient of variation, Bland–Altman plots, and correlation analysis. Results of all temporal events showed high agreement with the gold stan...

- by Claudio Quagliarotti
- •
- Biomechanics, Medicine, Swimming, Sports

Nutritional supplements are popular among athletes participating in a wide variety of sports. Creatine is one of the most commonly used dietary supplements, as it has been shown to be beneficial in improving performance during repeated bouts of high-intensity anaerobic activity. This review examines the specific effects of creatine supplementation on swimming performance, and considers the effects of creatine supplementation on various measures of power development in this population. Research performed on the effect of creatine supplementation on swimming performance indicates that whilst creatine supplementation is ineffective in improving performance during a single sprint swim, dietary creatine supplementation may benefit repeated interval swim set performance. Considering the relationship between sprint swimming performance and measurements of power, the effect of creatine supplementation on power development in swimmers has also been examined. When measured on a swim bench ergometer, power development does show some improvement following a creatine supplementation regime. How this improvement in power output transfers to performance in the pool is uncertain. Although some evidence exists to suggest a gender effect on the performance improvements seen in swimmers following creatine supplementation, the majority of research indicates that male and female swimmers respond equally to supplementation. A major limitation to previous research is the lack of consideration given to the possible stroke dependant effect of creatine supplementation on swimming performance. The majority of the research conducted to date has involved examination of the freestyle swimming stroke only. The potential for performance improvements in the breaststroke and butterfly swimming strokes is discussed, with regards to the biomechanical differences and differences in efficiency between these strokes and freestyle.Key PointsCreatine supplementation does not improve single sprint swimming performance.Creatine supplementation does improve repeated interval swim set performance.Creatine supplementation does improve power development in swimmers when measured on a swim bench ergometer.As a result of the high energy demands of the butterfly and breaststroke competitive swimming styles, potentially, the benefits associated with creatine supplementation and swimming performance could be greater when swimming butterfly or breaststroke, compared to the commonly examined freestyle swimming stroke.

- by Melissa J Wilson (nee Hopwood) and +1
- •
- Mechanical Engineering, Physiology, Human Physiology, Sports Medicine

Low water temperature (<15 °C) has been faced by many organizers of triathlons and swim-runs in the northern part of Europe during recent years. More knowledge about how cold water affects athletes swimming in wetsuits in cold water is warranted. The aim of the present study was therefore to investigate the physiological response when swimming a full Ironman distance (3800 m) in a wetsuit in 10 °C water. Twenty triathletes, 37.6 ± 9 years (12 males and 8 females) were recruited to perform open water swimming in 10 °C seawater; while rectal temperature (Tre) and skin temperature (Tskin) were recorded. The results showed that for all participants, Tre was maintained for the first 10-15 min of the swim; and no participants dropped more than 2 °C in Tre during the first 30 min of swimming in 10 °C water. However; according to extrapolations of the results, during a swim time above 135 min; 47% (8/17) of the participants in the present study would fall more than 2 °C in Tre during the swim. The results show that the temperature response to swimming in a wetsuit in 10 °C water is highly individual. However, no participant in the present study dropped more than 2 °C in Tre during the first 30 min of the swim in 10 °C water.

- by Jørgen Melau
- •
- Physiology, Extreme Sports, Triathlon, Temperature

The purpose of this study was to determine kinematic and energetic differences between front crawl and backstroke performed at the same aerobic speeds. Ten male competitive swimmers performed front crawl and backstroke at a pre-determined sub-anaerobic threshold speed to assess energy cost (through oxygen uptake measurement) and kinematics (using three-dimensional videography to determine stroke frequency and length, intra-cycle velocity fluctuation, three-dimensional wrist and ankle speeds, and vertical and lateral ankle range of motion). For detailed kinematic analysis, resultant displacement, the duration, and three-dimensional speed of the wrist during the entry, pull, push, and release phases were also investigated. There were no differences in stroke frequency/length and intra-cycle velocity fluctuation between the swimming techniques, however, swimmers had lower energy cost in front crawl than in backstroke (0.77 ± 0.08 vs 0.91 ± 0.12 kJ m, p < 0.01). Slower three-dimensio...

- by Ross Sanders
- •
- Computer Science, Exercise Physiology, Adolescent, Medicine

Swimming and synchronized swimming are two similar sports, different in required patterns of movements, but with similar predispositions in important motor abilities, functional capacities and morphology. First goal in this study is to determine the differences between female girls in two age groups, actively engaged in classic and synchronized swimming in chosen health and morphological parameters, as well se to forecast body mass index (BMI) in overall sample of active athletes with same parameters as the predictors. The data are collected from routine medical examinations of the athletes in the Polyclinic for Occupational Health and Sport in Zagreb, including sample of female athletes: swimmers (N=46) and synchronized swimmers (N=15), in two age groups: 7-13 years and 13-15 years. The results showed that the differences between swimmers and synchronized swimmers are not found, except in the age group 7-13 years, where diastolic blood pressure and hematocrits showed higher mean va...

- by Lucija Dodigović
- •
- Geography, Sports Medicine, Sports Performance, Swimming

Low water temperature (<15 °C) has been faced by many organizers of triathlons and swim-runs in the northern part of Europe during recent years. More knowledge about how cold water affects athletes swimming in wetsuits in cold water is warranted. The aim of the present study was therefore to investigate the physiological response when swimming a full Ironman distance (3800 m) in a wetsuit in 10 °C water. Twenty triathletes, 37.6 ± 9 years (12 males and 8 females) were recruited to perform open water swimming in 10 °C seawater; while rectal temperature (Tre) and skin temperature (Tskin) were recorded. The results showed that for all participants, Tre was maintained for the first 10–15 min of the swim; and no participants dropped more than 2 °C in Tre during the first 30 min of swimming in 10 °C water. However; according to extrapolations of the results, during a swim time above 135 min; 47% (8/17) of the participants in the present study would fall more than 2 °C in Tre during the...

- by T. Stensrud
- •
- Physiology, Sports, Extreme Sports, Triathlon

Level 2 Coach: International Age Group /
Level 3 Coach: Paralympic Swimming

Background
Endurance swimming exercises coupled to disinfection by-products exposure has been associated with increased airways dysfunction and neurogenic inflammation in elite swimmers. However, the impact of swimming pool exposure at a recreational level on autonomic
activity has never been explored. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate how swimming pool attendance is influencing lung and autonomic function in school-aged children.
Methods
A total of 858 children enrolled a cross sectional survey. Spirometry and airway reversibility to beta-2 agonist, skin-prick-tests and exhaled nitric oxide measurements were performed. Pupillometry was used to evaluate autonomic nervous function. Children were classified as
current swimmers (CS), past swimmers (PS) and non-swimmers (NS), according to the amount of swimming practice.
Results
Current swimmers group had significantly lower maximum and average pupil constriction velocities when compared to both PS and NS groups (3.8 and 5.1 vs 3.9 and 5.3 vs 4.0 and 5.4 mm/s, p = 0.03 and p = 0.01, respectively). Moreover, affinity to the beta-2 agonist and
levels of exhaled nitric oxide were significantly higher in CS when compared to NS (70 vs 60 mL and 12 vs 10 ppb, p<0.01 and p = 0.03, respectively). A non-significant trend for a higher risk of asthma, atopic eczema and allergic rhinitis was found with more years of swimming
practice, particularly in atopic individuals (β = 1.12, 1.40 and 1.31, respectively). After case analysis, it was possible to observe that results were not influenced by the inclusion of individuals with asthma.
Conclusions
Concluding, swimming pool attendance appears to be associated with autonomic changes and increased baseline airway smooth muscle constriction even in children without asthma.

- by L. Delgado
- •
- Sport Psychology, Exercise Physiology, Swimming, Allergy