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A kinematic analysis to evaluate the start techniques’ efficacy in swimming

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Abstract

Purpose

This study presents a method to evaluate the efficacy of the start techniques’ biomechanics in swimming using a kinematic reference data-set.

Methods

The biomechanics of the start techniques was derived by the performances of ten regional swimmers using a marker-based stereoscopic approach. Three start techniques were analyzed: grab start, rear track start, and front track start. The kinematic reference data-set was compiled from data available from the literature in biomechanics of the high-level swimmers. The evaluating method was based on three parameters: (1) The horizontal component of the dive speed; (2) The angle between the line joining the center of mass of the swimmer with the intersection point of the pool-water plane and the pool edge plane; (3) The distance between the block and the center of mass of the swimmer.

Results

Differences (p < 0.05) in the block position during the start were found between the national swimmers and the references in grab start, front track start, and in rear track start. Before the dive, national swimmers jump up from the block in opposition to the high-level swimmers that drop from the block such as the literature revealed.

Conclusions

This study allows: (1) To formulate a model of comparative analysis of data from the literature; (2) To obtain a three-dimensional model of the swimmers using a handy low-cost stereoscopic system; (3) To compare different multi-dimensional biomechanical models designed to describe the diving task. This approach would provide an innovative tool to evaluate the efficacy of the start technique and to assist coaches and trainers to improve their training programs.

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Acknowledgments

The Authors thank Dr. Elena Francioni for her contribution in the experimental stage of this study.

Conflict of interest

Donato Formicola and Alberto Rainoldi declare that there are no conflicts of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Motor Science Research Center, School of Exercises and Sport Sciences, Department of Medical Science, University of Turin, Piazza Lorenzo Bernini, 12, 10143, Turin, Italy

    Donato Formicola & Alberto Rainoldi

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  1. Donato Formicola
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  2. Alberto Rainoldi
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Correspondence to Alberto Rainoldi.

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Formicola, D., Rainoldi, A. A kinematic analysis to evaluate the start techniques’ efficacy in swimming. Sport Sci Health 11, 57–66 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11332-014-0207-8

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