Intra-Cyclic Variation of Velocity in Swimming: Association and Consistency Between the Most-Used Measurements

Background and Objectives: Intra-cyclic variation in swimming velocity is one of the variables most commonly used to assess swimming performance, providing simple, straightforward information for coaches and swimmers. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to assess the consistency and association between the two most commonly used methods for calculating the intra-cyclic variation in velocity in swimming (coefficient of variation-dv1; and range: the difference between the maximum and minimum instantaneous velocities-dv2). Methods: Twenty-one young butterfly swimmers (11 males and 10 females) with an average age of 17.3 ± 2.8 years were recruited for analysis. The measurements were done in the butterfly stroke at maximal velocities. The consistency and association criteria included the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and simple linear regression between the two methods. Results: The ICC between dvs was excellent for the overall sample (ICC = 0.972, p < 0.001), males (ICC = 0.978, p < 0.001), and females (ICC = 0.955, p < 0.001). The linear regression between methods was very high (overall: R² = 0.93, p < 0.001; males: R² = 0.91, p < 0.001; females: R² = 0.86, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Overall, coaches and researchers should be aware that although both methods yielded highly concordant results, they are based on different mathematical formulations and quantify distinct characteristics of the velocity signal. Therefore, their consistency and association should not be interpreted as mathematical equivalence or universal interchangeability.