Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Propulsive efficiency of breaststroke and freestyle swimming

European Journal of Applied Physiology and Occupational Physiology volume 33, pages 95–103 (1974)Cite this article

Abstract

Average drag at a given rate of movement by three top swimmers was about twice as great in breast stroke and freestyle swimming as in passive towing with the body extended and horizontal in the water. The greatest degree of propulsive efficiency (7.7%) was calculated for the arm strokes alone in the freestyle. The freestyle and breast stroke produced values for efficiency amounting to 5.6 to 6.6% and 3.8 to 5.7% respectively. Propulsive efficiency was calculated for the leg strokes only in the breast stroke and freestyle at 2.4 to 3.8% and 1.3 to 2.4% respectively.

This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution.

Access options

Buy single article

Instant access to the full article PDF.

USD 39.95

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

References

  1. Adrian, M. J., Singh, M., Karpovich, P. V.: Energy cost of leg kick, arm stroke, and whole crawl stroke. J. appl. Physiol. 21 (6), 1763–1766 (1966)

    Google Scholar 

  2. Alley, L. E.: An analysis of water resistance and propulsion in swimming the crawl stroke. Res. Quart. 23, 257–270 (1952)

    Google Scholar 

  3. Åstrand, P.-O., Englesson, S.: A swimming flume. J. appl. Physiol. 33 (4), 514 (1972)

    Google Scholar 

  4. Döbeln, W. von, Holmér, I.: Body composition, sinking force, and oxygen uptake of man during water treading. J. appl. Physiol. 37 (1974, in press)

  5. Holmér, I.: Oxygen uptake during swimming in man. J. appl. Physiol. 33 (4), 502–509 (1972)

    Google Scholar 

  6. Karpovich, P. V., Millman, N.: Energy expenditure in swimming. Amer. J. Physiol. 142, 140–144 (1944)

    Google Scholar 

  7. Karpovich, P. V., Pestrecov, K.: Mechanical work and efficiency of swimming crawl and back strokes. Arbeitsphysiologie 10, 504–514 (1939)

    Google Scholar 

  8. Klissouras, V.: Energy metabolism in swimming the dolphin stroke. Int. Z. angew. Physiol. 25, 142–150 (1968)

    Google Scholar 

  9. Magel, J. R.: Propelling force measured during tethered swimming in the four competitive swimming styles. Res. Quart. 41, 68–74 (1970)

    Google Scholar 

  10. Margaria, R.: Positive and negative work performances and their efficiences in human locomotion. Arbeitsphysiologie 25, 339–351 (1968)

    Google Scholar 

  11. di Prampero, P. E., Pendergast, D. R., Wilson, D. W., Rennie, D. W.: Energetics of swimming man. J. appl. Physiol. (1974, in press)

  12. Rennie, D. W., di Prampero, P., Wilson, D. R., Pendergast, D. R.: Energetics of swimming the crawl. Fed. Proc. 32 (3), 1125 Abs. (1973)

    Google Scholar 

  13. Ström, G.: The influence of anoxia on lactate utilization in man after prolonged muscular work. Acta physiol. scand. 17, 440–451 (1949)

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physiology, Gymnastik-och idrottshögskolan, Sweden

    Ingvar Holmér

  2. Work Physiology Division, National Board of Occupational Safety and Health, Stockholm

    Ingvar Holmér

Authors
  1. Ingvar Holmér
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and Permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Holmér, I. Propulsive efficiency of breaststroke and freestyle swimming. Europ. J. Appl. Physiol. 33, 95–103 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00449511

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00449511

Key words

search

Navigation