Biomechanics and Medicine in Swimming XI

Both Resistance Factor (Rf ) and Gliding Coefficient (Gc) measure loss
of speed, but they present their own advantages. Klauck’s gliding test
methodology has the advantage of not having a cable attached to the
swimmer’s hip and the possibility to compare with trials preceded of a
turn. The proposed methodology uses of a velocity meter and offers the
possibility to calculate parameters like maximum speed, glided distance,
instantaneous velocity and gliding coefficient Gc within any chosen period
of gliding time. This peculiarity has been of great help to determine
the precise instant to quit gliding and to start underwater kicking on
starts and turns.
conclusIon
Starts and turns can be cut-off and analysed by parts. As a result, experts
are able to better define lacks on technique and establish priorities in
training sessions to reach the best performance. A well-balanced solution
between accuracy, validity and applicability for the evaluation of
underwater glide has been found. Coaches have designed and included
specific exercises for the training of the glide, starts and turns in everyday
practice and sport science have increased their presence in the
everyday work of swimmers. When applied on young swimmers, the
gliding test seems to be of great use for talent detection.
reFerences
Chow J.W., Hay J.G., Wilson B.D. and Imel C. (1984). Turning technique
of elite swimmers. Journal of Sports Sciences, 2. pp 241-255.
Clarys J.P. (1979). Human morphology and hydrodynamics. International
Series on Sport Science Vol 8: pp 3–41, University Park
Press, Baltimore.
Klauck J. and Daniel K. (1976). Determination of man’s drag
coefficients and effective propelling forces in swimming by
means of chronocyclography. In: P V Komi (ed.) Biomechanics
V B. Human Kinetics Pubishers. pp 250-257.
Lyttle A.D., Blanksby B.A.B., Elliott B.C. and Lloyd D.G.
(1998). The effect of depth and velocity on drag during the
streamlined glide. Journal of Swimming Research. 13: pp15-
22.
Maiello D., Sabatini A., Demarie S., Sardella F. and Dal Monte
A. (1998). Passive drag on and under the water surface. Journal
of Sports Sciences, 16(5), pp 420-421.
AcKnoWledGeMents
I would like to thank coaches from Spanish and Catalan Swimming
Federation and Paralympic Committee, as well as my sport’s sciences
colleagues from GIRSANE (Research Group from Olympic Training
Centre in Barcelona, Spain).
chaPter2.Biomechanics
Effects of a Blueseventy TM Bodysuit on Spatialtemporal
and Coordinative Parameters During
an All-out 50-m Front Crawl
silveira, r.P., Kanefuku, J.Y., Moré, F.c., castro, F.A.s.
Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
The aim of this study was to establish the effects of using a shoulder
to ankle bodysuit (Blueseventy TM ) on spatial-temporal and coordinative
parameters during an all-out 50m front crawl swim. Six subjects (16.6
± 2.0 yrs) performed two all-out 50m trials (with and without
bodysuit). The arm stroke parameters and index of coordination
were determined by videography. A repeated measures ANOVA
was performed, with main effects verified using LSD post-hoc
for an α < 5 %. Using the bodysuit, swimming speed and stroke
length were higher. The duration of the entry and catch phase
and non-propulsive phase were shorter in the second 25 m split.
No statistical differences in index of coordination were found.
Wearing the bodysuit significantly improves the swimming performance,
mostly on the second half of the test.
Key words: high-tech bodysuits, swimsuits, coordination, front crawl
IntroductIon
The implementation of new technology in order to enhance sports performance
has resulted in a range of new equipment that can be used
during training and competition. Most prominent among these advances
has been the development of highly technical bodysuits purported to
improve swimming performance.
The original purpose of these swimsuits was to decrease drag by
mimicking sharkskin. The latest bodysuits, however, also appear to improve
buoyancy and compress body parts (Benjanuvatra et al., 2009).
The body suits have been further developed through the use of particular
fabric and by the manner in which the suits are sewn. Indeed, the most
advanced bodysuits have no sewed parts at all.
The evolution of high technology bodysuits is almost certainly a major
factor in the recent spate of new world records in swimming events.
As a result, questions have been raised concerning the fabric composition
and availability as well as ethical and legal issues linked to wearing
these suits in competitions. FINA subsequently banned the bodysuits
in indoor competitions from January 2010. But the suits are free to be
utilized in open water and triathlon events. Furthermore, there does not
exist enough research on the effects of using bodysuits on swimming
performance.
Spatial-temporal parameters, as well as the index of coordination
proposed by Chollet et al. (2000), appear to be dependent on restrictions
of the organism, the environment and the task (Seifert et al., 2007).
Thus, the purpose of this study was to establish the effects of using a
bodysuit (Blueseventy TM ) on spatial-temporal and coordinative parameters
during an all-out 50m front crawl performance. Considering
the improvement in performance (Benjanuvatra et al., 2009), increased
stroke length and swimming velocity and a greater continuity in propulsion
actions (index of coordination near zero) were expected wearing
the bodysuit.
Methods
Subjects: Six subjects, each competitive at Brazilian age group national
level, took part in this investigation (age: 16.6 ± 2.0 yrs; body mass: 67.8
± 5.9 kg). All participants signed a consent form prior to which the aims,
risks and procedures associated with this trial had been fully explained.
The sample size was limited by the Blueseventy TM bodysuits availability.
Trials: The subjects performed two all-out 50m trials in a 25 indoor
pool, starting in the pool. One trial was performed with an ordinary
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