Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “Biomechanics”
The physiology behind High-Intensity Training (HIT) The scientific evidence in support of high-intensity training has increased the number and quality of studies, especially those involving high-level athletes. It’s already known that a large number of swimmers, all over the world, are applying the basic principles of this scientific methodology using a large number of different strategies (including ultra-short race-pace training (USRPT) and …
If you follow SwimSwam or Swimming World Magazine you’ve certainly noticed the great interest in ultra-short race pace training (USRPT) and elite age-group professional swimmer Michael Andrew. Posts on these topics receive massive traffic and great controversy regarding training and many other topics. As written previously, here are the differences between the various forms of training: HIT: High-intensity training (HIT) involves performing …
When the back plate was approved by FINA in 2009 many studies were performed to determine the benefits of using the back plate for a “kick start” (KS) versus a standard track start (TS). The majority of these studies concluded that the KS was superior in take off velocity, block time, flight time and time to 5 m – 15 m. Fewer …
Below is an interview on the principle differences and movements between weightlifters and powerlifters. Whats included and demand in each sport. Here is the latest article to Lars Berglund’s “Injuries Among Weightlifters and Powerlifters: A Systematic Review” his latest studies and complete research work sites can be found here. 1. First off, what is the difference between weightlifters and powerlifters? The principal differences …
As a take home message: 1. In this piece, we did the analysis of three age-group breaststrokers. 2. Modeled data sometimes does not fit completely the individual data of a specific swimmer. 3. After benchmarking the swimmers against data retrieved from the literature we have learned that one of the swimmers is able to reach a high speed (strong point), but with …
Take Home Points on How to Swim the Breaststroke Body position should be sought between each stroke. The breaststroke breath should be low to minimally disrupt streamline. The kick should occur with the arms and head in streamline. While butterfly is commonly depicted as the hardest stroke, breaststroke is typically the most difficult to master. Even many elite swimmers do not …
When describing joint movement, a reference position is needed. This position is termed the anatomic reference position. This position entails: an erect standing position with the feet slightly separated, the arms hanging by the side, the elbows straight, and with the palms of the hands facing forward. Planes of Movement The following planes are described relative to the median plane, …
Below is an interview on pacing in swimming with Dr. Andreas Venhorst. Andreas does research in Physiology, Sports Medicine, and Sports Psychology. The current project he is involved in is ‘The psychophysiological determinants of pacing behaviour and performance during prolonged endurance exercise.’ You may view his ResearchGate here. 1. What are the most common pacing strategies in sport? The most common …
There are many factors that contribute to the high prevalence of swimming shoulder pain. High repetitions of overhead activity, muscle imbalances, range of motion deficits, poor posture, poor stroke mechanics (and many more) are all thought to play a role. A recent article published in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies investigated the effect of fatigue on swimming shoulder mechanics …
Background on Ankle Swimming Flexibility Improving ankle mobility in freestyle, backstroke, and the butterfly is often vexing for both swimmers and coaches. Some swimmers appear naturally blessed with mobile ankles. Others work madly to force plantar flexion (toes pointed down) but make little progress. Although plantar flexion and dorsiflexion (toes pointed up) are both needed for dynamic ankle mobility in …