Journal article
Dry-land Bilateral Hand-force Production and Swimming Performance in Paralympic Swimmers
International Journal of Sports Medicine, Vol.35(11), pp.949-953
2014
Abstract
By the nature of their physical impairment Paralympic swimmers generally exhibit an asymmetrical anthropometric profile. The likely causes of asymmetry include bilateral differences in musculoskeletal profile, limitations in flexibility, and muscular imbalances 15. This scenario can lead to impaired balance or propulsion 10 and subsequently impaired swimming performance 3 23. Asymmetry may compromise a swimmer's technique, and compensatory action could lead to further muscle imbalances and potential injury 15. Highlighting the need to investigate the relationships between asymmetry and swim force production. Increases in propulsive force generation are generally associated with improvements in swimming performance 17. Swimming velocity is strongly related to the net forces produced at the hand 11, upper arm 8 and the muscle mass of the arm 4. A close relationship is evident between net force, arm co-ordination, and technical proficiency 2. A swim-bench ergometer targets swimming-specific muscle groups and enables direct bilateral measurement of hand force generation without the confounding drag forces associated with in-water swimming 17 18. This data quantifies left and right side muscle strength asymmetry and the dynamical asymmetry produced during propulsion 7. Assessment of a swimmer's force profile 18 and his or her ability to generate symmetrical muscular power 14 is fundamental for swimming performance.
Details
- Title
- Dry-land Bilateral Hand-force Production and Swimming Performance in Paralympic Swimmers
- Authors
- Andrew A Dingley (Author) - Australian Institute of SportD Pyne (Author) - Australian Institute of SportBrendan J Burkett (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
- Publication details
- International Journal of Sports Medicine, Vol.35(11), pp.949-953
- Publisher
- Georg Thieme Verlag
- Date published
- 2014
- DOI
- 10.1055/s-0033-1364023
- ISSN
- 0172-4622
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; School of Health - Sports & Exercise Science
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99448647802621
- Output Type
- Journal article
Metrics
16 File views/ downloads
732 Record Views
InCites Highlights
These are selected metrics from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool, related to this output
- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Sport Sciences