Differences in kinematics and energy cost between front crawl and backstroke below the anaerobic threshold

Authors: Gonjo, T., McCabe, C., Sousa, A., Ribeiro, J., Fernandes, R.J., Vilas-Boas, J.P. and Sanders, R.

Journal: European Journal of Applied Physiology

Volume: 118

Issue: 6

Pages: 1107-1118

ISSN: 1439-6319

DOI: 10.1007/s00421-018-3841-z

Abstract:

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine kinematic and energetic differences between front crawl and backstroke performed at the same aerobic speeds. Methods: Ten male competitive swimmers performed front crawl and backstroke at a pre-determined sub-anaerobic threshold speed to assess energy cost (through oxygen uptake measurement) and kinematics (using three-dimensional videography to determine stroke frequency and length, intra-cycle velocity fluctuation, three-dimensional wrist and ankle speeds, and vertical and lateral ankle range of motion). For detailed kinematic analysis, resultant displacement, the duration, and three-dimensional speed of the wrist during the entry, pull, push, and release phases were also investigated. Results: There were no differences in stroke frequency/length and intra-cycle velocity fluctuation between the swimming techniques, however, swimmers had lower energy cost in front crawl than in backstroke (0.77 ± 0.08 vs 0.91 ± 0.12 kJ m−1, p < 0.01). Slower three-dimensional wrist and ankle speeds under the water (1.29 ± 0.10 vs 1.55 ± 0.10 and 0.80 ± 0.16 vs 0.97 ± 0.13 m s−1, both p < 0.01) and smaller ankle vertical range of motion (0.36 ± 0.06 vs 0.47 ± 0.07 m, p < 0.01) in front crawl than in backstroke were also observed, which indirectly suggested higher propulsive efficiency in front crawl. Conclusion: Front crawl is less costly than backstroke, and limbs motion in front crawl is more effective than in backstroke.

Source: Scopus

Differences in kinematics and energy cost between front crawl and backstroke below the anaerobic threshold.

Authors: Gonjo, T., McCabe, C., Sousa, A., Ribeiro, J., Fernandes, R.J., Vilas-Boas, J.P. and Sanders, R.

Journal: Eur J Appl Physiol

Volume: 118

Issue: 6

Pages: 1107-1118

eISSN: 1439-6327

DOI: 10.1007/s00421-018-3841-z

Abstract:

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine kinematic and energetic differences between front crawl and backstroke performed at the same aerobic speeds. METHODS: Ten male competitive swimmers performed front crawl and backstroke at a pre-determined sub-anaerobic threshold speed to assess energy cost (through oxygen uptake measurement) and kinematics (using three-dimensional videography to determine stroke frequency and length, intra-cycle velocity fluctuation, three-dimensional wrist and ankle speeds, and vertical and lateral ankle range of motion). For detailed kinematic analysis, resultant displacement, the duration, and three-dimensional speed of the wrist during the entry, pull, push, and release phases were also investigated. RESULTS: There were no differences in stroke frequency/length and intra-cycle velocity fluctuation between the swimming techniques, however, swimmers had lower energy cost in front crawl than in backstroke (0.77 ± 0.08 vs 0.91 ± 0.12 kJ m-1, p < 0.01). Slower three-dimensional wrist and ankle speeds under the water (1.29 ± 0.10 vs 1.55 ± 0.10 and 0.80 ± 0.16 vs 0.97 ± 0.13 m s-1, both p < 0.01) and smaller ankle vertical range of motion (0.36 ± 0.06 vs 0.47 ± 0.07 m, p < 0.01) in front crawl than in backstroke were also observed, which indirectly suggested higher propulsive efficiency in front crawl. CONCLUSION: Front crawl is less costly than backstroke, and limbs motion in front crawl is more effective than in backstroke.

Source: PubMed

Differences in kinematics and energy cost between front crawl and backstroke below the anaerobic threshold

Authors: Gonjo, T., McCabe, C., Sousa, A., Ribeiro, J., Fernandes, R.J., Vilas-Boas, J.P. and Sanders, R.

Journal: EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY

Volume: 118

Issue: 6

Pages: 1107-1118

eISSN: 1439-6327

ISSN: 1439-6319

DOI: 10.1007/s00421-018-3841-z

Source: Web of Science (Lite)

Differences in kinematics and energy cost between front crawl and backstroke below the anaerobic threshold.

Authors: Gonjo, T., McCabe, C., Sousa, A., Ribeiro, J., Fernandes, R.J., Vilas-Boas, J.P. and Sanders, R.

Journal: European journal of applied physiology

Volume: 118

Issue: 6

Pages: 1107-1118

eISSN: 1439-6327

ISSN: 1439-6319

DOI: 10.1007/s00421-018-3841-z

Abstract:

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine kinematic and energetic differences between front crawl and backstroke performed at the same aerobic speeds.

Methods

Ten male competitive swimmers performed front crawl and backstroke at a pre-determined sub-anaerobic threshold speed to assess energy cost (through oxygen uptake measurement) and kinematics (using three-dimensional videography to determine stroke frequency and length, intra-cycle velocity fluctuation, three-dimensional wrist and ankle speeds, and vertical and lateral ankle range of motion). For detailed kinematic analysis, resultant displacement, the duration, and three-dimensional speed of the wrist during the entry, pull, push, and release phases were also investigated.

Results

There were no differences in stroke frequency/length and intra-cycle velocity fluctuation between the swimming techniques, however, swimmers had lower energy cost in front crawl than in backstroke (0.77 ± 0.08 vs 0.91 ± 0.12 kJ m-1, p < 0.01). Slower three-dimensional wrist and ankle speeds under the water (1.29 ± 0.10 vs 1.55 ± 0.10 and 0.80 ± 0.16 vs 0.97 ± 0.13 m s-1, both p < 0.01) and smaller ankle vertical range of motion (0.36 ± 0.06 vs 0.47 ± 0.07 m, p < 0.01) in front crawl than in backstroke were also observed, which indirectly suggested higher propulsive efficiency in front crawl.

Conclusion

Front crawl is less costly than backstroke, and limbs motion in front crawl is more effective than in backstroke.

Source: Europe PubMed Central