Comparative Analysis of Active Drag Using the MAD System and an Assisted Towing Method in Front Crawl Swimming

Danielle Formosa; H M Toussaint; B Mason; Brendan J Burkett

doi:10.1123/jab.28.6.746

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Comparative Analysis of Active Drag Using the MAD System and an Assisted Towing Method in Front Crawl Swimming

Journal article

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Peer reviewed

Comparative Analysis of Active Drag Using the MAD System and an Assisted Towing Method in Front Crawl Swimming

Danielle Formosa, H M Toussaint, B Mason and Brendan J Burkett

Journal of Applied Biomechanics, Vol.28(6), pp.746-750

2012

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1123/jab.28.6.746

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Abstract

sports performance

net force

The measurement of active drag in swimming is a biomechanical challenge. This research compared two systems: (i) Measuring Active Drag (MAD) and (ii) Assisted Towing Method (ATM). Nine intermediate-level swimmers (19.7 ± 4.4 yrs) completed front crawl trials with both systems during one session. The mean (95 % Confidence Interval) active drag for the two systems, at the same maximum speed of 1.68 m?s-1 (1.40 − 1.87 m?s-1), was significantly different (p = 0.002) with a 55 % variation in magnitude. The mean active drag was 82.3 N (74.0 − 90.6 N) for the MAD system and 148.3 N (127.5 − 169.1 N) for the ATM system. These differences were attributed to variations in swimming style within each measurement system. The inability to measure the early catch phase and kick, along with the fixed length and depth hand place requirement within the MAD system generated a different swimming technique, when compared to the more natural free swimming ATM protocol. A benefit of the MAD system was the measurement of active drag at various speeds. Conversely, the fixed towing speed of the ATM system allowed a natural self-selected arm stroke (plus kick) and the generation of an instantaneous force-time profile.

Details

Title: Comparative Analysis of Active Drag Using the MAD System and an Assisted Towing Method in Front Crawl Swimming
Authors: Danielle Formosa (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
H M Toussaint (Author) - VU University, Netherlands
B Mason (Author) - Australian Institute of Sport
Brendan J Burkett (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Publication details: Journal of Applied Biomechanics, Vol.28(6), pp.746-750
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date published: 2012
DOI: 10.1123/jab.28.6.746
ISSN: 1065-8483; 1065-8483
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health - Sports & Exercise Science; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99450050302621
Output Type: Journal article
Research Statement: false

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Engineering, Biomedical; Sport Sciences