Analysis of Swimming Performance from Physical, Physiological, and Biomechanical Parameters in Young Swimmers

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of the energy cost of swimming, body composition, and technical parameters on swimming performance in young swimmers. Twenty-nine swimmers, 15 prepubertal (11.9 +/- 0.3 years; Tanner Stages 1-2) and 14 pubertal (14.3 +/- 1.4 years; Tanner Stages 3-4) boys participated in the study. The energy cost of swimming (Cs) and stroking parameters were assessed over maximal 400-m front-crawl swimming in a 25-m swimming pool. The backward extrapolation technique was used to evaluate peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak). A stroke index (SI; m2 . s(-1) . cycles(-1)) was calculated by multiplying the swimming speed by the stroke length. VO2peak results were compared with VO2peak test in the laboratory (bicycle, 2.86 +/- 0.74 L/min, vs. in water, 2.53 +/- 0.50 L/min; R2 = .713; p = .0001). Stepwise-regression analyses revealed that SI (R2 = .898), in-water VO2peak (R2 = .358), and arm span (R2 = .454) were the best predictors of swimming performance. The backward-extrapolation method could be used to assess VO2peak in young swimmers. SI, arm span, and VO2peak appear to be the major determinants of front-crawl swimming performance in young swimmers.

Gender and distance influence performance predictors in young swimmers

“…Previous studies with age-specific subjects and the data from the present study of children and adolescents provided evidence that in an aquatic environment the technique is important (Jürimäe et al, 2007;Lätt et al, 2010;Pelayo et al, 2007;Saavedra et al, 2010;Vitor & Böhme, 2010), and emphasized that experience (years) is a factor influencing its improvement as well, especially in youngsters, with an increase in body size (Grimston & Hay, 1986;Lätt et al, 2009). In addition, taller swimmers have the advantages of greater SL and consequently lower SR at any distance, thus improving their biomechanical pattern (represented by SI) (Jürimäe et al, 2007;Pelayo, Sidney, Kherif, Chollet, & Tourny, 1996;Wakayoshi, D'Acquisto, Cappaert, & Troup, 1995;Zamparo et al, 2008).…”

“…In addition, taller swimmers have the advantages of greater SL and consequently lower SR at any distance, thus improving their biomechanical pattern (represented by SI) (Jürimäe et al, 2007;Pelayo, Sidney, Kherif, Chollet, & Tourny, 1996;Wakayoshi, D'Acquisto, Cappaert, & Troup, 1995;Zamparo et al, 2008).…”

“…It is known that being an aquatic modality, swimming is largely dependent on technical skills and the optimal combination of stroke rate (SR) and length (SL) that results in maximal speed and great swimming economy (Pelayo, Alberty, Sidney, Pordevin, & Dekerle, 2007). However, in young individuals, all anthropometrical changes strongly influence these technical indexes and, consequently, performance itself (Jürimäe et al, 2007;Lätt et al, 2009;Zamparo et al, 2008).…”

“…Technical, physiological, and bodily parameters are identified as traditional adult performance predictors and major factors that influence performance improvement in youngsters, thereby highlighting differences between genders, different chronological ages, and maturational status throughout childhood and adolescence (Geladas, Nassis, & Pavlicevic, 2005;Jürimäe et al, 2007;Lätt et al, 2010;Lätt et al, 2009;Saavedra, Escalante, & Rodriguez, 2010;Vitor & Böhme, 2010;Zuniga et al, 2011).…”

Age of peak swim speed and sex difference in performance in medley and freestyle swimming – a comparison between 200 m and 400 m in Swiss elite swimmers

“…It seems that for reaching the peak swim times, it is necessary to have the anthropometric requirements of a finalized growth of the body. Apart from anthropometry, the developing physiological factors in adolescence also seem to have a main impact on the age of the peak swim time Zamparo, 2006), such as the propelling efficiency, changes in muscle strength, biomechanical factors and bio-energetic values (Jürimäe, Haljaste, Cicchella, Lätt, Purge, Leppik, et al, 2007;Zamparo, 2006). These factors change during adolescence and are consistent with our results showing that the age of the peak swim time was higher than the age when body growth is usually finished.…”