A quantitative evaluation of the high elbow technique in front crawl

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Sports Science
• Swimming Technique Analysis

Background:

• Coaches commonly instruct swimmers to maintain a high elbow position during the pull phase of front crawl.
• The quantitative evaluation and biomechanical efficacy of this 'high elbow' technique remain underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantitatively assess the 'high elbow' position in front crawl swimming.
• To determine the relationship between the high elbow position and upper limb kinematics.
• To investigate the impact of the high elbow position on swimming velocity.

Main Methods:

• Developed a novel 'high elbow index' (Ihe) using 3D coordinates of shoulder, elbow, and wrist joints.
• Recorded 3D arm stroke motion of 16 skilled and 6 novice male swimmers during maximal effort 25m front crawl.
• Analyzed data using statistical correlations to assess relationships and efficacy.

Main Results:

• The high elbow index (Ihe) showed moderate correlations with average shoulder internal rotation (r = -0.652, P < 0.01) in skilled swimmers.
• Ihe also moderately correlated with swimming velocity (r = -0.683, P < 0.01) during the pull phase.
• The developed index proved effective in evaluating the high elbow arm stroke technique.

Conclusions:

• The newly developed high elbow index (Ihe) provides a quantitative measure for assessing front crawl technique.
• This index demonstrates a significant relationship between high elbow positioning and improved swimming performance.
• The findings support the biomechanical rationale behind the high elbow cue in front crawl instruction.