Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 23, 2025
05:12
Swimming Performance Assessment in Fishes
Published on: May 20, 2011
25.7K
How do swimmers control their front crawl swimming velocity? Current knowledge and gaps from hydrodynamic
Hideki Takagi1, Motomu Nakashima2, Yasuo Sengoku1
1Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.
Sports Biomechanics
|August 23, 2021
Summary
This review examines front crawl swimming biomechanics, highlighting how resistive forces increase with velocity. Optimizing upper-limb propulsion is key, but the role of kicking requires further study.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Biomechanics
- Fluid Dynamics
Background:
- Front crawl swimming biomechanics are crucial for optimizing performance.
- Resistive forces increase cubically with velocity, emphasizing technique efficiency.
- Stroke frequency is a key variable for increasing swimming velocity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review literature on front crawl swimming biomechanics.
- To focus on propulsive and resistive forces at varying swimming velocities.
- To identify areas for optimizing upper-limb propulsion and kicking techniques.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of experimental and simulation studies.
- Analysis of fluid forces, including resistive and propulsive components.
- Examination of the effects of stroke frequency and angle of attack.
Main Results:
- Resistive force scales with the cube of velocity, critical for sprinters.
- Increased stroke frequency has limits due to reduced hand propulsive force.
- Conflicting findings exist regarding the effect of kicking on propulsion.
Conclusions:
- Optimizing upper-limb propulsion is vital for front crawl swimming.
- Further research is needed to understand and optimize kicking mechanics.
- This review synthesizes current knowledge and identifies research gaps.
Related Concept Videos
01:16Control Volume and System Representations
1.3K
Two key frameworks are employed to analyze mass, energy, and momentum transfer: the control volume approach and the system approach. These frameworks offer different perspectives, depending on whether the focus is on a specific region in space (control volume approach) or a defined mass of fluid (system approach).
The control volume approach considers a stationary region in space through which fluid flows. This region is bounded by a control surface. For instance, in the case of water...
The control volume approach considers a stationary region in space through which fluid flows. This region is bounded by a control surface. For instance, in the case of water...
1.3K
01:16Hydraulic Jump: Problem Solving
222
To analyze a hydraulic jump in a rectangular channel with a flow speed of 6 meters per second, follow these steps:Calculate Effective Upstream Velocity:When the downstream gate closes, a hydraulic jump forms, traveling upstream at 2 meters per second. This wave speed combines with the initial channel flow velocity, creating an effective upstream velocity.Identify Flow Velocities Before and After the Hydraulic Jump:Upstream of the hydraulic jump, the effective flow velocity includes both the...
222
01:24Rapidly Varying Flow
181
Rapidly varying flow (RVF) in open channels is characterized by abrupt changes in flow depth over a short distance, with the rate of depth change relative to distance often approaching unity. These flows are inherently complex due to their transient and multi-dimensional nature, making exact analysis difficult. However, approximate solutions using simplified models provide valuable insights into their behavior.Key Features of Rapidly Varying FlowRVF is commonly observed in scenarios involving...
181
01:27Steady Flow of a Fluid Stream
443
Consider a control volume, such as a pipe with solid boundaries, through which fluid flows and changes direction due to the impulse exerted by the resulting force from the pipe walls. In steady flow, the mass of fluid entering the control volume at a given time, t, with velocity v1, is equal to the mass leaving after infinitesimal time dt, with velocity v2.
During this process, the momentum of the fluid within the control volume remains constant over the time interval dt. By applying the...
During this process, the momentum of the fluid within the control volume remains constant over the time interval dt. By applying the...
443
01:04Hydrostatic Pressure Force on a Curved Surface
2.2K
Hydrostatic pressure on curved surfaces is a fundamental concept in fluid mechanics with broad applications in the civil engineering field. When fluid is in contact with a curved surface, as in a reservoir, dam, or storage tank, it exerts pressure that varies in magnitude and direction along the curved surface. To assess the total hydrostatic force exerted by the fluid on a curved structure, engineers typically isolate the fluid volume adjacent to the surface and analyze the forces acting on...
2.2K
01:27Energy Considerations in Open Channel Flow
265
Open channel flow, where a fluid flows with a free surface exposed to the atmosphere, is primarily governed by gravitational and surface effects, distinguishing it from closed conduit or pipe flow. In open channels such as rivers, canals, and artificial channels, energy analysis provides valuable insights into flow behavior and the relationship between depth, velocity, and slope.Specific Energy and Flow DepthIn open channel flow, the specific energy, E, combines the gravitational potential...
265