Comparison of starts and turns of national and regional level swimmers by individualized-distance measurements

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the race characteristics of the start and turn segments of national and regional level swimmers. In the study, 100 and 200-m events were analysed during the finals session of the Open Comunidad de Madrid (Spain) tournament. The "individualized-distance" method with two-dimensional direct linear transformation algorithm was used to perform race analyses. National level swimmers obtained faster velocities in all race segments and stroke comparisons, although significant inter-level differences in start velocity were only obtained in half (8 out of 16) of the analysed events. Higher level swimmers also travelled for longer start and turn distances but only in the race segments where the gain of speed was high. This was observed in the turn segments, in the backstroke and butterfly strokes and during the 200-m breaststroke event, but not in any of the freestyle events. Time improvements due to the appropriate extension of the underwater subsections appeared to be critical for the end race result and should be carefully evaluated by the "individualized-distance" method.

Application of Video-Based Methods for Competitive Swimming Analysis: A Systematic Review

“…Studies that utilise only above-water cameras tend to be analyses based on competition footage. 41,50,52 However, for a thorough technical examination of swimming using video it is imperative for the swim coach to have an underwater view to fully assess a swimmer's movements. Specialist underwater equipment is available through dedicated manufacturers.…”

“…In contrast, Veiga, et al 50 recently also assessed turning performance in a group of elite swimmers but used just two above water cameras and measured only turning distance and velocity. Clearly the objectives of these studies differed but it is interesting to consider which study would be more likely to be replicated by a coach in their own environment.…”

“…45,69 Recent studies have used either two, four or eight cameras positioned either in waterproof housings, behind viewing windows or with a periscope system and have digitized between 4 and 12 anatomical landmarks in order to measure these angles. 45,50,65,69 Similarly velocity, stroke rate and stroke length have been variously derived using static cameras, 29 or cameras with a trolley setup, 53 both with and without 87 digitization procedures. Such diversity in approaches is undoubtedly due to the specific nature of different studies, but may lead to confusion among practitioners as to the best methods to employ in their own environments.…”

Análisis cinemático de la salida con empuje en nadadores competitivos de nivel nacional

“…En cuanto a la distancia subacuática de los nadadores de nivel nacional del estudio (6,97±0,11 m), estos estuvieron dentro de los márgenes expuestos por Veiga et al (2014a), a pesar de que para dichos autores los nadadores de nivel nacional y regional de su estudio cubrieron entre 6 y 9 m, correspondiente a 8 -12 batidos de delfín (Zamparo et al, 2012). Para ellos, esto representó una importante evolución técnica para la prueba de nado, ya que generaron una menor desaceleración y mejora de la velocidad media (Clothier et al, 2000b).…”

“…Y cuyos resultados concuerdan con otros estudios hallados en la literatura (Chow et al, 1984;Burkett, Mellifont y Mason, 2010;Pereira, Ruschel y Araújo, 2006;Ruschel et al, 2007;Vantorre et al, 2010a, c). En otros estudios, el análisis de la fase subacuática en pruebas de 100 y 200 m, reveló que las distancias en los estilos de espalda y mariposa fueron mayores (entre 1 y 2 m) durante la salida (entre 2 y 3 m) que durante el viraje (Veiga et al, 2014a;Veiga y Roig, 2016b). Ello es esperable debido a la mayor velocidad alcanzada por los nadadores durante la fase aérea de la salida.…”