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Froude Efficiency and Velocity Fluctuation in Forearm-Amputee Front Crawl: Implications for Para Swimming
Dawn N O'Dowd, Luke Hogarth1, Brendan Burkett1
1School of Health and Sport Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, AUSTRALIA.
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|March 9, 2023
Summary
Para swimmers with forearm amputations showed lower Froude efficiency but similar intracyclic velocity fluctuation compared to able-bodied swimmers. Froude efficiency may help classify swimmers with upper limb impairments.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Biomechanics
- Para Swimming
Background:
- The impact of physical impairments on swimming performance metrics like Froude efficiency and intracyclic velocity fluctuation in Para swimmers is not well-documented.
- Objective classification systems are needed for Para swimming competitions to ensure fair competition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify Froude efficiency and intracyclic velocity fluctuation in unilateral forearm-amputee front crawl swimmers.
- To evaluate the association between these biomechanical variables and swimming performance.
- To explore the potential of these metrics for classifying Para swimmers.
Main Methods:
- Ten unilateral forearm-amputee swimmers performed front crawl trials at 50-m and 400-m paces.
- Three-dimensional video analysis was used to capture mass center, wrist, and stump velocities.
- Intracyclic velocity fluctuation and Froude efficiency were calculated based on velocity data and limb movements.
Main Results:
- Forearm amputees exhibited intracyclic velocity fluctuation comparable to nondisabled swimmers but lower Froude efficiencies.
- Froude efficiency was higher at 400-m pace than 50-m pace and significantly higher for the unaffected limb compared to the residual limb.
- No significant association was found between intracyclic velocity fluctuation, Froude efficiency, and overall swimming performance.
Conclusions:
- Froude efficiency appears to be a sensitive indicator of activity limitation in swimmers with upper limb deficiencies.
- This metric holds potential for objectively comparing swimmers with varying types and severities of physical impairments in Para swimming.
- Further research could refine the use of Froude efficiency in Para sport classification systems.
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