The gold rush in Para swimming: changes in the speed curve of a visually impaired world and paralympic champion – a case study

We examined the association between the speed curve parameters of a Paralympic swimmer in the 50-meter freestyle and changes in her speed curve. The average speed on the speedometer was correlated with the time in the 50-meter freestyle, and the contribution of the kick increased, allowing her to stay longer in the upper part of the curve. READ!

50 m freestyle in 21, 22 and 23 s: What differentiates the speed curve of world-class and elite male swimmers?

In this study, we compared the speed curve of swimmers with times of 21, 22, and 23 seconds. We found a strong relationship between performance and speedometer results, with the upper part of the speed curve being a determining factor for the 21-second group to be faster than the others. READ!

Longitudinal analysis of the 800-m performances of the world’s best female long-distance pool swimmer: A case study using critical speed and D′

This study investigated the physiological adaptations that were necessary for the world’s best female distance swimmer to improve her performance in the 800-meter freestyle over the course of her career. We found that her aerobic capacity improved by 6.2%, and this improvement correlated remarkably with a 99% correlation to her performance in the 800-meter event. READ!

The role of the biomechanics analyst in swimming training and competition analysis

In this article, experts from around the world in the field of swimming science were invited to write about the role of biomechanics in training and competition. It provides details on the distinctions between a university researcher and an analyst. Additionally, it contains information on the primary analysis techniques employed in leading centers worldwide. READ!

How do swimmers pace the 400 m freestyle and what affects the pacing pattern?

This study examined the race pattern of world-class swimmers in the 400-meter freestyle event. We observed that the majority of athletes followed a parabolic pacing pattern and that aerobic capacity significantly impacts performance in the 400 meters. READ!

Predicting the individual lactate minimum speed by T10 and T30 in swimming

This study investigated the relationship between T10, T30, and the lactate minimum test. We found an almost perfect correlation between the direct lactate-based test and T10 and T30. Therefore, these tests can be used as cost-effective and accessible methods to monitor aerobic performance and prescribe training programs. READ!

Long-term changes in the speed curve of a world-class butterfly swimmer

From 2011 to 2018, we monitored a butterfly swimmer who progressed to the top 15 in the world rankings for the 50 and 100-meter butterfly events. After analyzing various points on the speed curve, we found that the 5% increase in average speed was due to reductions in speed variation, an increase in stroke frequency, and an improvement in the upward phase of the kick during the arm recovery. READ!

The classification in Para swimming: Analysis of a Paralympic champion’s withdraw case

In 2018, athlete André Brasil was deemed ineligible in his classification after years of participation in the Paralympic movement. This study examined whether the subjective results from the official classification are replicated when employing high-precision equipment and more robust scientific methods. The findings are surprising. READ!

Does a 4-week training period with hand paddles affect front-crawl swimming performance?

For four weeks, two groups underwent the same training regimen, which included a speed set conducted three times a week. The only difference was that one group used hand paddles while the other did not. We tested strength, speed, performance, and some technical parameters, but no differences were observed between the groups. READ!

The road to 21 seconds: A case report of a 2016 Olympic swimming sprinter

This study showcases the journey taken by Italo Manzine to achieve the sub-21 second mark in the 50m freestyle. The mark was achieved through improvements in swimming (rather than the start), linked to an increase in stroke length. Additionally, there was an increase in strength both in and out of the water, a result of neural and morphological adaptations. READ!

Butterfly coordination and maturational stage of young swimmers

This study compared the butterfly coordination in young swimmers at different stages of maturation. The results suggest that young swimmers should pay attention to the coordination of the butterfly stroke, specifically focusing on the synchronization between the start of the pulling phase of the arm stroke and the beginning of the downward phase of the second kick. READ!

The use of hand paddles and fins in front crawl: biomechanical and physiological responses

Did you know that paddles can alter the length, frequency, and duration of the stroke phases? And that fins can modify the frequency of kicks and strokes as well as the depth of the kick and the energy cost? In summary: this affects your technique. READ!

Effect of hand paddles and parachute on butterfly coordination

Does the use of paddles and parachutes influence butterfly coordination? In the end, paddles do not have an influence, but the same cannot be said for parachutes, nor for the combination of paddles and parachutes. READ!

A correlational analysis of tethered swiming swim sprint performance and dry land power assessments

What exercises should be used in dry-land strength training? To learn more about this, we tested the relationship between in-water strength, dry-land strength, power, and performance in the 50, 100, and 200m freestyle. The strength and power of the lower limbs on dry-land are related to strength and performance in the water (50m). READ!

Post activation potentiation in propulsive force after specific swimming strength training

Post-activation potentiation (PAP) is an increase in strength that occurs immediately after performing a conditioning activity. We tested the athletes before and after a series of in-water strength exercises and found no changes in the analyzed parameters. However, stronger athletes tend to exhibit the occurrence of PAP. READ!

Acute responses of biomechanical parameters to different sizes of hand paddles in front crawl stroke

In dry land, we use different loads to achieve different goals. To find out if it’s the same in the water, we compared four sizes of hand paddles with freestyle swimming. We found that both strength and speed increased significantly from the medium-sized paddle. Furthermore, the larger the size, the greater the effect. READ!

Effect of hand paddles and parachute on the index of coordination of competitive crawl strokers

This study assessed whether hand paddles and parachutes influence the coordination of the freestyle stroke. We concluded that the use of this implement leads to an increase in propulsive continuity. For sprinters in freestyle, this is valuable information with implications for both physical and technical training. READ!

Reliability of the front-crawl force-time curve in a short-duration protocol

This study examined the reliability of biomechanical parameters in the force-time curve of the freestyle stroke in a 10-second tethered swimming protocol. The analyzed parameters are reproducible and can be used to monitor adaptations induced by training. READ!

Effect of different hand paddle sizes on bilateral propulsive force difference in the front crawl swimming

In this study, we investigated whether using different sizes of hand paddles could mitigate the strength disparities between the right and left arm strokes. In the end, we found that this is indeed possible, but to achieve the appropriate effect, the size of the hand paddle should be individually chosen. READ!

Body composition responses to the strength training and its relationship with performance of competitive swimmers

One of the effects of strength training is the modification of body dimensions. If increased excessively, performance in the water may be hindered due to increased resistance. Question: Does dry-land strength training alter body composition? According to our data, the answer is no! Further details can be found in the article. READ!

Effect of strength training on muscular strength-aerobic performance relationship for competitive swimmers

Did you know that your strength level can influence your aerobic capacity? In this study, we investigated whether changes in strength outside the water were related to alterations in aerobic capacity in the water. No relationship was found! What to do next? Questions are there to be answered, and our team is always ready. READ!

Effects of strength training on swimming performance

In this study, we investigated whether increasing dry-land strength influences swimmers’ performance in short distances. After the training, the experimental group showed a greater increase in strength compared to the control group, but performance did not improve. This study suggests that strength development in swimming should occur in a more specific manner. READ!