An updated protocol to assess arm swimming power in front crawl.
Mechanical power output is a reliable predictor of swim speed in front crawl. However, a complete power curve (power vs. load) has not been described for swimming, and intra-cycle power has not been assessed. The purpose of this study was to examine intra-cycle power output at propulsive phases and to determine maximum swimming power, the corresponding load and swimming speed. 18 swimmers (age 22.10±4.31years, height 1.79±0.07 m, arm span 1.85±0.08 m and body mass 76.74±9.00 kg) performed a swim power test. It consisted of 12.5 m all-out swims with only the arms, with a load attached to the swimmer. A linear encoder and a load cell recorded intra-cycle speed and force in each trial. The test was recorded with 2 underwater cameras. Intra-cycle power was obtained for propulsive stroke phases (pull: 60.32±18.87 W; push: 71.21±21.06 W). Peak power was 114.37±33.16 W. Mean maximum swim power was 66.49 W (0.86 W/kg), which was reached at a swimming velocity of 0.75 m/s with a 47.07% of the individual maximal load. Significant positive correlation (r=0.76, p<0.01) between maximum swim power and maximum swim speed was observed. These results suggest that the proposed test may be a training tool that is relatively simple to implement and would provide swimmers and coaches with quick feedback.
Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sports Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain. rdc@ugr.es
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Dominguez-Castells
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Izquierdo
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Arellano
D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D013550:Swimming / Q000502:physiology*; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult