Comparison of Expert and Nonexpert Swimmers' Opinions about the Value, Potency, and Activity of Four Standard Swimming Strokes and Underwater Undulatory Swimming

Abstract

Underwater undulatory swimming (UUS) is often perceived to be a nonessential aspect of aquatic propulsion. Given their solid theoretical and practical training in swimming, physical education students should be capable of judging the true value of the "fifth stroke," since it appears to be the most efficient technique in high level, competitive swimming. To compare opinions and connotations associated with the stroke and the four official strokes (butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and crawl), 198 students (32 of whom were expert swimmers; M age = 20.6 yr., SD = 1.2), were surveyed using the semantic differential of Osgood, Suci, and Tannenbaum. Although answers of expert and nonexpert swimmers differed significantly (p < .01, except for the breaststroke), participants considered overall that undulatory stroke was less attractive, less powerful, and less rapid than the four surface strokes (d = 2.88 for the expert swimmers). Putting one arm in front of the other and repeating the sequence still remains the most solidly held representation of "the right way" to swim. However, the high observed standard deviations for the underwater undulatory stimulus (SD > or = 1.1 with SD max = 3 for the expert swimmers) attests to the view being less strongly held by swimming specialists.

Muscle Synergy of the Underwater Undulatory Swimming in Elite Male Swimmers

“…Underwater undulatory swimming (UUS), also called dolphin kick or a submerged propulsion technique used in competitive swimming, has gained prominence as a "fifth stroke" (Collard and Oboeuf, 2009). There are four well-accepted swimming techniques (butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and front crawl), and the UUS is a phase during the start and turn race segments (Pereira et al, 2015).…”

Diferentes perspectivas da ação de membros inferiores nos quatro nados competitivos: uma revisão integrativa

“…Colocar um braço na frente do outro e repetir a sequência continua sendo a representação mais sólida do "caminho certo" para nadar. 1 Entretanto, essa visão torna-se ultrapassada quando se almeja uma melhora significativa do desempenho na natação. A visão de que as pernas são, prioritariamente, um elemento equilibrador foi desconstruída no tempo.…”

“…Para eles, a "pernada" na natação (mesmo a subaquática), era menos atraente, menos poderosa e menos rápida que colocar um braço na frente do outro. 1 Apenas no nado peito as pernas eram compreendidas como fundamentais para o desempenho. 4…”