title: Linking selected kinematic, anthropometric and hydrodynamic variables to young swimmer performance.
abstract: The aim of this study was to develop a structural equation model (i.e., a confirmatory technique that analyzes relationships among observed variables) for young swimmer performance based on selected kinematic, anthropometric and hydrodynamic variables. A total of 114 subjects (73 boys and 41 girls of mean age of 12.31 ± 1.09 years; 47.91 ± 10.81 kg body mass; 156.57 ± 10.90 cm height and Tanner stages 1-2) were evaluated. The variables assessed were the: (i) 100 [m] freestyle performance; (ii) stroke index; (iii) speed fluctuation; (iv) stroke distance; (v) active drag; (vi) arm span and; (vii) hand surface area. All paths were significant (p < .05). However, in deleting the path between the hand surface area and the stroke index, the model goodness-of-fit significantly improved. Swimming performance in young swimmers appeared to be dependent on swimming efficiency (i.e., stroke index), which is determined by the remaining variables assessed, except for the hand surface area. Therefore, young swimmer coaches and practitioners should design training programs with a focus on technical training enhancement (i.e., improving swimming efficiency).
authors.affiliation: Research Centre in Health, Sports, and Human Development, Vila Real, Portugal.
authors.forename: Jorge E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Morais
authors.forename: Sérgio
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Jesus
authors.forename: Vasco
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Lopes
authors.forename: Nuno
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Garrido
authors.forename: António
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Marinho
authors.forename: Tiago M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Barbosa
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000886:Anthropometry; D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002648:Child; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D057446:Hydrodynamics; D008297:Male; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D010807:Physical Endurance; D011174:Portugal; D012494:Sampling Studies; D013550:Swimming / Q000502:physiology*