Stroke Steadiness as a Determinant Factor of Performance in 100 m Freestyle in Young Swimmers

• Published in: Sports (Basel) 2024-04, Vol.12 (4), p.107
• Main Authors: López-Plaza, Daniel, Quero-Calero, Carmen Daniela, Alacid, Fernando, Abellán-Aynés, Oriol
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Athletic ability; biomechanics; Children & youth; Efficiency; Kinematics; Physiological aspects; Physiological research; Speed; Swimmers; Swimming; variability; Variables; Velocity
• ISSN: 2075-4663; 2075-4663
• DOI: 10.3390/sports12040107

The classical kinematic variables in swimming are based on the calculation of mean values. Stroke steadiness determines the relationship between the duration of all consecutive strokes throughout a test. The aims of the current investigation were to examine differences in stroke-to-stroke steadiness according to swimmers' performance level on both body sides (breathing and non-breathing) and to analyse the interrelationship with kinematics during a 100 m front-crawl test. Thirty-two young, experienced swimmers voluntarily participated in the present study and were divided into two groups, national level ( = 15) and local level ( = 17), according to their competitive status within the national age-rankings. All participants performed a 100 m maximal test in a 50 m pool where they were laterally recorded. Kinematic variables such as mean velocity, stroke rate, stroke length, and stroke index, as well as long-term steadiness and short-term steadiness, were calculated. The two 50 m sections were analysed independently. Significant differences were observed between the two groups in the classical kinematic variables and in stroke steadiness ( < 0.05). In addition, stroke steadiness showed moderately high correlations with velocity (r = [-0.61-(-0.749)]) and stroke index (r = [-0.356-(-0.582)]). Maintaining a more stable inter-stroke period appears to be a determinant of performance in young, high-level national swimmers.