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Propelling efficiency of front-crawl swimming
H M Toussaint1, A Beelen, A Rodenburg
1Department of Exercise Physiology and Health, Faculty of Human Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|December 1, 1988
Summary
Front-crawl swimmers
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Biomechanics
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Swimming efficiency is crucial for performance.
- Quantifying energy expenditure and power output in swimming is complex.
- Previous methods for measuring drag and efficiency have limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To calculate the propelling efficiency (ep) of front-crawl swimming using only arm movements.
- To determine the relationship between mechanical power and energy expenditure.
- To establish the range of propelling efficiency in elite swimmers.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an extended Measurement of Active Drag (MAD) system to directly measure power to overcome drag (Pd).
- Measured oxygen uptake (VO2) to determine the rate of energy expenditure (PVO2).
- Calculated total mechanical power (Po) and propelling efficiency (ep = Pd/Po).
Main Results:
- Mechanical efficiency ranged from 8-12%.
- Propelling efficiency (ep) in elite swimmers ranged from 46% to 77%.
- Total efficiency (mechanical * propelling) ranged from 5% to 8%.
Conclusions:
- Propelling efficiency is a significant factor in front-crawl swimming performance.
- The MAD system provides a direct and reliable method for measuring drag power.
- Elite swimmers exhibit high propelling efficiency, contributing to overall performance.