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Related Experiment Videos

Hydrodynamics optimization in butterfly swimming: position, drag coefficient and performance.

R Taïar1, P Sagnes, C Henry

  • 1Centre de Recherche et d'Innovation sur le Sport, Université Claude Bernard, Villeurbanne, France. taiar@univ-lyon1.fr

Journal of Biomechanics
|August 5, 1999
PubMed
Summary

Butterfly swimmers can improve performance by optimizing body position during the internal sweep phase to reduce drag. This kinematic analysis identified key propulsive moments and highlighted individual technique differences for elite swimmers.

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Area of Science:

  • Sports Science
  • Biomechanics
  • Swimming Performance Analysis

Background:

  • Understanding propulsive phases in butterfly swimming is crucial for enhancing swimmer efficiency.
  • Individual kinematic differences can significantly impact energy expenditure and performance.
  • Passive drag is a major limiting factor in swimming speed.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify the most propulsive positions during the butterfly swimming cycle.
  • To compare the swimming kinematics of an elite swimmer with another.
  • To investigate the relationship between swimming movements, passive drag, and overall performance.

Main Methods:

  • Kinematic analysis of butterfly swimming cycles.
  • Utilizing manikins and a drag-measuring device.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Comparing instantaneous swimming positions of different swimmers.

    • Main Results:

    • Three key propulsive positions were identified: end of external sweep, end of internal sweep, and end of thrust.
    • An elite swimmer (Pankratov) exhibited distinct instantaneous positions compared to another swimmer.
    • The end of the internal sweep generated the highest drag values.
    • Pankratov's technique may allow for reduced energy expenditure through specific positioning.

    Conclusions:

    • Swimming movements, particularly during the internal sweep, directly influence passive drag.
    • Optimizing body positioning at specific points in the cycle can reduce energy cost.
    • Kinematic analysis provides valuable insights into improving butterfly swimming performance by managing drag.