The optimum finger spacing in human swimming

Abstract Competitive swimmers spread fingers during the propulsive stroke. Due to the inherent inefficiency of human swimming, the question is: does this strategy enhance performance or is it just a more comfortable hand posture? Here we show, through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) of a 3D model...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of biomechanics 2009-09, Vol.42 (13), p.2188-2190
Main Authors: Minetti, Alberto E, Machtsiras, Georgios, Masters, Jonathan C
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
CFD
Computer Simulation
Drag
Efficiency
Finger
Fingers & toes
Fingers - anatomy & histology
Fingers - physiology
Fluid dynamics
Hand
Humans
Investigations
Models, Biological
Optimization
Physical Exertion - physiology
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Rheology - methods
Swimming
Swimming - physiology
Task Performance and Analysis
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Summary:Abstract Competitive swimmers spread fingers during the propulsive stroke. Due to the inherent inefficiency of human swimming, the question is: does this strategy enhance performance or is it just a more comfortable hand posture? Here we show, through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) of a 3D model of the hand, that an optimal finger spacing (12°, roughly corresponding to the resting hand posture) increases the drag coefficient (+8.8%), which is ‘functionally equivalent’ to a greater hand palm area, thus a lower stroke frequency can produce the same thrust, with benefits to muscle, hydraulic and propulsive efficiencies. CFD, through flow visualization, provides an explanation for the increased drag associated with the optimum finger spacing.
ISSN:0021-9290
1873-2380
DOI:10.1016/j.jbiomech.2009.06.012