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Young swimmers' classification based on kinematics, hydrodynamics, and anthropometrics
Tiago M Barbosa1, Jorge E Morais, Mário J Costa
1Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, and with the Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health and Human Development (CIDESD), Vila Real, Portugal.
Journal of Applied Biomechanics
|September 18, 2013
Summary
This study classified young swimmers using kinematics, hydrodynamics, and anthropometrics. Speed fluctuation (dv/v) and trunk surface area (S) best distinguished swimmer profiles.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Biomechanics
- Human Movement Analysis
Background:
- Classifying swimmers is crucial for targeted training.
- Previous classifications often focused on limited parameters.
Purpose of the Study:
- To classify young swimmers based on kinematic, hydrodynamic, and anthropometric data.
- To identify key variables that differentiate swimmer profiles.
Main Methods:
- Sixty-seven young swimmers performed maximal front-crawl sprints.
- Measured swimming velocity (v), speed fluctuation (dv, dv/v), active drag coefficient (CDa), and trunk surface area (S).
- Utilized speedometer, perturbation devices, and photogrammetry.
Main Results:
- Three distinct clusters emerged: high speed fluctuation, anthropometric, and high hydrodynamic profiles.
- Speed fluctuation (dv/v) and trunk surface area (S) were primary discriminators.
- Discriminant analysis identified two functions explaining variance based on these parameters.
Conclusions:
- Kinematics, hydrodynamics, and anthropometrics are key domains for classifying young swimmers.
- Objective biomechanical and anthropometric measures provide distinct swimmer profiles.
- Understanding these profiles can inform individualized training strategies.
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