Research activity of the Aqua Laboratory of D.P.E.S.S.–S.P.E.S.S.O.Τ.–D.U.Th. on the propulsive forces in front-crawl swimming and the acute effect of using swimming training tools
Keywords:
hand paddles, sprint resisted swimming, leg kick, arm coordinationAbstract
The current article summarizes the research activity of the Aqua Laboratory of D.P.E.S.S. of the Democritus University of Thrace, concerning the study of propulsive forces and the influence of leg kick during frontcrawl swimming, as well as the acute effect of using swimming tools, such as hand paddles and sprint resisted swimming. The sample consisted of young female swimmers aged 14-17 years. Their underwater movement, performed with maximal intensity in the different measurement conditions (with or without leg kick or hand paddles or sprint resisted swimming), was recorded using 4 high-frequency cameras, followed by 3D kinematic analysis to determine specific stroke kinematic characteristics, the orientation of the hand and the estimation of the propulsive forces. For the statistical treatment of the data, analyzes of variance for repeated measurements were applied and it was found that, the drag force was greater in the pull phase, while in the push phase the generation of the lift force should be emphasized, the 6-beat leg kick contributes to a reduction of the frontal resistance, and both, hand paddles and sprint resisted swimming, are specific training tools that do not alter the swimming technique. However, if the training goal is focused on modifying the arm coordination, in order to achieve a continuous application of the propulsive forces, sprint resisted swimming is more appropriate.
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