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The force-time profile of elite front crawl swimmers
Journal article   Peer reviewed

The force-time profile of elite front crawl swimmers

Danielle Formosa, B Mason and Brendan J Burkett
Journal of Sports Sciences, Vol.29(8), pp.811-819
2011
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2011.561867
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https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2011.561867View
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Abstract

passive drag net force swimming technique
In this study, we used recently developed technology to determine the force-time profile of elite swimmers, which enabled coaches to make informed decisions on technique modifications. Eight elite male swimmers with a FINA (Federation Internationale de Natation) rank of 900þ completed five passive (streamline tow) and five net force (arms and leg swimming) trials. Three 50-Hz cameras were used to video each trial and were synchronized to the kinetic data output from a force-platform, upon which a motorized towing device was mounted. Passive and net force trials were completed at the participant's maximal front crawl swimming velocity. For the constant tow velocity, the net force profile was presented as a force-time graph, and the limitation of a constant velocity assumption was acknowledged. This allowed minimum and maximum net forces and arm symmetry to be identified. At a mean velocity of 1.92 +/- 0.06 m . s -1, the mean passive drag for the swimmers was 80.3 +/- 4.0 N, and the mean net force was 262.4 +/- 33.4 N. The mean location in the stroke cycle for minimum and maximum net force production was at 45% (insweep phase) and 75% (upsweep phase) of the stroke, respectively. This force-time profile also identified any stroke asymmetry.

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33 Times Cited - Web of Science
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