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Updated: May 19, 2026
05:12
Swimming Performance Assessment in Fishes
Published on: May 20, 2011
Relation between efficiency and energy cost with coordination in aquatic locomotion
Pedro Figueiredo1, Huub M Toussaint, João Paulo Vilas-Boas
1Centre of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal. spafg@vodafone.pt
European Journal of Applied Physiology
|August 21, 2012
Summary
This study found that swimmers maintain stable intracycle velocity variation (IVV) during a 200m freestyle race by adjusting coordination patterns. Fatigue increases energy cost (C) and index of coordination (IdC), impacting Froude efficiency (η(T)).
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Biomechanics
- Swimming Performance Analysis
Background:
- Understanding biomechanical factors influencing swimming performance is crucial for elite athletes.
- Intracycle velocity variation (IVV) and index of coordination (IdC) are key metrics in swimming analysis.
- Froude efficiency (η(T)) and energy cost (C) are critical determinants of race performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationships between intracycle velocity variation (IVV), Froude efficiency (η(T)), energy cost (C), and index of coordination (IdC) during a 200-m freestyle swim.
- To analyze how these parameters change throughout a maximal 200-m freestyle race.
- To determine the influence of fatigue on coordination and efficiency in elite swimmers.
Main Methods:
- Ten elite male swimmers completed a maximal 200-m freestyle swim.
- Performance was captured using synchronized underwater and above-water cameras.
- Oxygen consumption, blood lactate, IVV, IdC, and η(T) were measured throughout the race.
Main Results:
- Swimmers maintained stable IVV (x, y, and z) despite fatigue.
- Fatigue led to decreased velocity, stroke length, stroke frequency, and η(T), with increased IdC.
- Significant correlations were found between IdC and C, and IdC and η(T) at various stages of the race.
Conclusions:
- Coordination patterns adapt during a 200-m swim to maintain IVV stability.
- IdC emerges as a significant factor influencing energy cost and efficiency in freestyle swimming.
- These findings provide insights into the biomechanical strategies employed by swimmers to manage fatigue and optimize performance.
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