Anthropometric variables, propulsive force and biological maturation: A mediation analysis in young swimmers

Abstract

Youth swimming performance may be influenced by anthropometric and body composition factors during growth. Propulsive force of the arm (PFA) is highly related to swimming performance as 85-90% of the propulsive power comes from the arms. The current study analyzed the mediating effect of biological maturation on the relationship between anthropometric variables and body composition with PFA in young swimmers. A total of 128 swimmers [boys: n = 53, age = 13.6 (1.8) y; girls: n = 75, age = 12.5 (1.8) y] were evaluated. Propulsive force of the arm was estimated by the tethered swimming test. Anthropometric characteristics (body mass, stature, sitting height, arm span, arm muscle area, % body fat, and fat-free mass) were evaluated. Biological maturation was estimated by the age of peak height velocity. Mediation analyses were performed using the Preacher and Hayes bootstrapping method, adjusted for chronological age and sex. All anthropometric and body composition variables, except %body fat, were positively associated with PFA, being mediated by biological maturation. Indirect effects and 95% confidence intervals were: body mass [.20 (.09-.34)], stature [.22 (.11-.43)], arm span [0.17 (.05-.31)], arm muscle area [.74 (.38-1.19)] and fat free-mass [.17 (.05-.34)]. In conclusion, biological maturation mediated the positive associations between body size and composition and PFA in young swimmers.

Body segments and biological maturation to estimate the propulsive force of the arm in young swimmers

“…In this context, Morais et al 28 , showed that improvement in force production affected stroke parameters, which ultimately affected swimming performance. This result could help the elaboration of training programs, since the inclusion of strength training in the upper body seems to be crucial to increase propulsion in the water 4 and leads to an increase in AMA (i.e., elbow flexion and extension) and, consequently, can improve swimmer performance 5,8,29 . Programs that improve the overall strength and power in youth swimmers have a positive effect on enhancing their performance 28 .…”

“…It is important to highlight that fat mass and lean mass both seem to contribute to the performance of swimmers 21 . Swimming does not appear to favor large gains in muscle mass as these gains would reduce floatability and impair performance 6,29 .…”

Biological Age in Relation to Somatic, Physiological, and Swimming Kinematic Indices as Predictors of 100 m Front Crawl Performance in Young Female Swimmers

“…In a study of Silva et al [ 38 ], tethered swimming indices and were not significant predictors of young female swimmers’ sprint performance. A study of Oliveira et al [ 39 ] revealed the significance of controlling for the maturation effect of specific strength evaluation in adolescent swimmers, showing biological maturation mediated positively between anthropometric or body composition and the propulsive force of arms. As mentioned by Vorontsov [ 8 ], early maturers demonstrate greater physical abilities and performance level than their peers who are normal or late maturers.…”

Propulsive Force of Upper Limbs and its Relationship to Swim Velocity in the Butterfly Stroke

“…To achieve high-performance in adulthood, swimmers must begin training at an early age. Performance of age-group swimmers and its determinants has been extensively studied in the front crawl stroke [2,3]. However, there is a scarce body of knowledge on remaining strokes such as the butterfly [4,5].…”

“…In adults/elite swimmers, one study noted a very high correlation between swim velocity and the predicted maximum velocity, measured by semi-tethered swimming, in the butterfly stroke [11]. Tethered or semi-tethered swimming is a very common technique to measure tethered force as a proxy of propulsive force in the butterfly stroke [10,11] as well as in remaining swim strokes [3]. In the front crawl, for instance, significant upper limb asymmetries were verified in adult/elite swimmers in variables related to propulsive force (peak and mean force) [12].…”