Stroke Rate and Propulsive Limb Coordination Improve Sprint Breaststroke Swimming

Propulsive limb coordination and body acceleration in sprint breaststroke swimming Abstract

BACKGROUND:

This work aimed at examining how coordination and kinematic indices interplay with swimming performance measured by average speed in 50 m all-out test.

METHODS:

The group of 34 male competitive swimmers (19.1±1.91 years old) participated in the study. The underwater movements of swimmers' bodies were recorded providing side-shots. Accelerations and angular velocity of pitch rotation of swimmer's sacrum were measured with inertial sensor device (three-axial accelerometer and gyroscope).

RESULTS:

Indices calculated on the basis of video analysis as well as their relationship with speed (V50surface breast) clearly show, that stroke rate (SR) kinematic and ample arm propulsion (AP) duration impulse are both highly associated with performance. At the same time V50surface breast is highly related to significant shortening inter-cycle gap - Glide or Overlap. The study shows, that sagittal maximal ventral acceleration (Azmax) and sagittal amplitude acceleration (Azamp) significantly interplay with V50surface breast (0.54, P<0.01 and 0.45, P=0.01 respectively), which is connected with dolphin-like body waving.

CONCLUSIONS:

The most important thing is to recognize possible gains coming from suitably shaped dolphin-like body waving, as well as to enhance this specific action during well-timed upper trunk and head immersion in each sprint breaststroke cycle.

Practical Implication on Propulsive limb coordination and body acceleration in sprint breaststroke swimming:

In sprint breaststroke swimming, reducing glide time and maximizing coordination of the upper and lower body are key for increased swimming velocity. Also, coaches should work on stroke rate in sprint swimming, while maintaining coordination to further improve swimming velocity. 

Reference:

Strzała M, Stanula A, Ostrowski A, Kaca M, Krężałek P, Głodzik J. Propulsive limb coordination and body acceleration in sprint breaststroke swimming. J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2017 Dec;57(12):1564-1571. doi: 10.23736/S0022-4707.16.06634-2. Epub 2016 Nov 24.