Load-Velocity Profile and Active Drag in Young Female Swimmers: An Age-Group Comparison

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Biomechanics
• Swimming Performance

Background:

• Understanding age-related differences in swimming biomechanics is crucial for performance optimization.
• Load-velocity profiling provides insights into the force-velocity relationship during swimming.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare load-velocity profiles, active drag (AD), and drag coefficient (Cd) among three age groups of female swimmers (11, 13, and 16 years old).

Main Methods:

• Thirty-three female swimmers were divided into three age groups.
• Load-velocity profiles were determined for four competitive strokes.
• Maximal velocity (V0), maximal load (L0), normalized L0, AD, and Cd were analyzed using a 2-way ANOVA and correlation analysis.

Main Results:

• Sixteen-year-old swimmers generally showed higher V0, L0, and AD compared to younger swimmers, particularly the 11-year-olds.
• Breaststroke was an exception, with no significant differences in L0 and AD, and a lower Cd in the 16-year-olds, suggesting better technique.
• Significant correlations were found between drag parameters and velocity, varying by age group and stroke.

Conclusions:

• Increased propulsive force likely distinguishes older swimmers, except in breaststroke where improved technique (lower Cd) is observed in the oldest group.
• These findings highlight age-specific biomechanical adaptations and technique variations in female swimmers.