Relationship between anaerobic power and start performance parameters in adolescent swimmers

Start performance is a critical determinant of success in competitive swimming. This study investigated the relationships between anaerobic power (AP), vertical jump height (VJ), and flight distance (FD) in adolescent swimmers.

Fifty-four Tier 2 adolescent swimmers (32 males, 22 females; age: 13.57 ± 1.31 years) participated in the study. Anaerobic power was calculated using the Lewis formula, and FD was measured via video analysis with Kinovea software. Statistical analyses included independent samples t-tests, Pearson correlations, and multiple regression models to identify performance predictors.

Significant gender differences were observed in body height, weight, VJ, FD, and AP (all p < 0.05), with males outperforming females, while training experience was similar. FD showed a significant positive correlation with AP (r = 0.51, p < 0.001), representing a moderate effect size. Multiple regression analysis further revealed that Age (β = 0.65, p < 0.001) and Gender (β = 0.32, p = 0.003) were the primary predictors of FD, while AP did not emerge as an independent predictor in the final model.

Although anaerobic power is associated with start performance, age and gender are the strongest predictors of flight distance in adolescent swimmers. These findings add to previous research by highlighting the importance of maturational and technical development for optimizing start efficiency during early specialization.