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The Association of Range of Motion, Dryland Strength-Power, Anthropometry, and Velocity in Elite Breaststroke
Emily Nicol1,2, Simon Pearson2, David Saxby3
1Griffith Sports Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD,Australia.
Purpose:
The ability of elite breaststroke swimmers to maximize average velocity maintained throughout a race is reportedly mediated by a number of range-of-motion, dryland strength-power, and anthropometric characteristics. The present study aimed to develop a physical profile and evaluate the relationship between dryland strength-power and stroke kinematic variables in elite breaststroke swimmers.
Methods:
A series of range-of-motion, dryland strength-power, and anthropometric measures were assessed in 11 elite-level breaststroke specialists and used to establish group-based averages and expected variance within an elite breaststroke population.
Results:
Analysis of the relationships between dryland strength-power parameters and breaststroke kinematics revealed strong associations (r > .7, minimum 95% confidence range of g > 0.80 or < -0.80) most frequently at 100-m and maximal paces. From further analysis of these associations, a series of second-order models of best fit were calculated to describe the relationship between dryland strength-power parameters and propulsive velocity. Five models strongly described the relationship between countermovement jump height, mean pull-up velocity, and average propulsive velocity.
Conclusions:
These models can be used to assess propulsion effectiveness and act as a catalyst for technique evaluation. It is also recommended that strength and conditioning coaches consider the inclusion of explosive movements, such as countermovement jumps and maximal velocity pull-ups, in dryland training programs designed for sprint breaststroke swimmers.
