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Backstroke-to-Breaststroke Turns Muscular Activity. A Study Conducted in Age Group Swimmers.
Phornpot Chainok1,2, Jessy Lauer2,3, Pedro Gonçalves2,3
1Faculty of Sport, Burapha University, Chonburi, Thailand.
Journal of Sports Science & Medicine
|September 26, 2022
Summary
The crossover turn showed the highest muscle activity during backstroke-to-breaststroke turns in young swimmers. However, muscle activity did not correlate with turn performance, suggesting technique optimization is key.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Biomechanics
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Optimizing backstroke-to-breaststroke turns is crucial for competitive swimming performance.
- Understanding the biomechanical and neuromuscular demands of different turning techniques is essential for effective training.
- Previous research has not comprehensively compared muscle activation and kinematic profiles across various backstroke-to-breaststroke turns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare surface electromyographic (EMG) activity and kinematic variables across open, somersault, bucket, and crossover backstroke-to-breaststroke turns.
- To identify relationships between integrated EMG (iEMG) and kinematics, focusing on rotation and push-off efficacy.
- To inform training program design for young swimmers.
Main Methods:
- Eight young male swimmers (12.38 ± 0.55 years) performed 12 maximal speed turns (three per technique) after a four-week contextual interference intervention.
- Surface EMG of eight key muscles was recorded and processed for iEMG and total iEMG (TiEMG) during rotation and push-off phases.
- 2D underwater video analysis quantified rotation and push-off efficacy.
Main Results:
- The crossover turn exhibited the highest iEMG values for rotation and push-off phases.
- Erector spinae and gastrocnemius medialis showed peak activity during rotation and push-off, respectively.
- No significant relationship was found between TiEMG and rotation/push-off time, tuck index, or velocity, but rotation efficacy was linked to rotation time (p=0.04).
Conclusions:
- While the crossover turn elicits higher muscle activation, iEMG activity does not appear to be a direct determinant of rotation and push-off efficacy in young swimmers.
- Rotation time is a significant factor influencing rotation efficacy.
- Training programs should focus on optimizing turning technique mechanics rather than solely on increasing muscle activation.
