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Int J Sports Med 2011; 32(7): 546-551
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1273688
Orthopedics & Biomechanics

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Biomechanical Analysis of Backstroke Swimming Starts

K. de Jesus1 , K. de Jesus1 , P. Figueiredo1 , 2 , P. Gonçalves1 , 2 , S. Pereira3 , J. P. Vilas-Boas1 , 2 , R. J. Fernandes1 , 2
  • 1Faculty of Sport, Centre of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport, University of Porto, Portugal
  • 2Porto Biomechanics Laboratory, University of Porto, Portugal
  • 3State University of Santa Catarina, Sport, Florianópolis, Brazil
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Publication History

accepted after revision January 25, 2011

Publication Date:
11 May 2011 (online)

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Abstract

The relationships between the start time and kinematic, kinetic and electromyographic data were examined in order to establish the common features of an effective backstroke swimming start. Complementarily, different starting positions were analysed to identify the parameters that account for the fastest backstroke start time under different constraints. 6 high-level swimmers performed 4×15 m maximal trials of each start variants with different feet position: parallel and entirely submerged (BSFI) and above water surface (BSFE), being monitored with synchronized dual-media image, underwater platform plus handgrip with a load cell, and eletromyographic signal of Rectus Femoris and Gastrocnemius Medialis. Mean and SD values of start time for BSFI and BSFE were 2.03±0.19 and 2.14±0.36 s, respectively. In both starts, high associations (r>=0.75, p<0.001) were observed between start time and centre of mass resultant average velocity at glide phase and horizontal impulse at take-off for BSFI, and centre of mass horizontal position at the start signal for BSFE. It was concluded that the greater impulse during the take-off and its transformation into a fast underwater movement are determinant to decrease the start time at BSFI. Regarding BSFE, a greater centre of mass pool-wall approximation might imply a flatter take-off angle, compromising underwater velocity and starting performance.

Key words

kinematics - kinetics - electromyography - swimming - diving

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Correspondence

Prof. Ricardo Jorge FernandesPhD 

Faculty of Sport Swimming

University of Porto

Rua Dr. Plácido Costa 91

4200 Porto

Portugal

Phone: +351/22/5074 763

Fax: +351/22/5500 687

Email: ricfer@fade.up.pt

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