The Relationship Between the Lower-Body Muscular Profile and Swimming Start Performance.
This study aimed to examine the correlation of different dry land strength and power tests with swimming start performance. Twenty international level female swimmers (age 15.3 ± 1.6 years, FINA point score 709.6 ± 71.1) performed the track freestyle start. Additionally, dry land tests were conducted: a) squat (SJ) and countermovement jumps (CMJ), b) squat jumps with additional resistance equivalent to 25, 50, 75 and 100% of swimmers' body weight [BW]), and c) leg extension and leg flexion maximal voluntary isometric contractions. Correlations between dry land tests and start times at 5, 10 and 15 m were quantified through Pearson's linear correlation coefficients (r). The peak bar velocity reached during the jumps with additional resistance was the variable most correlated to swimming start performance (r = -0.57 to -0.66 at 25%BW; r = -0.57 to -0.72 at 50%BW; r = -0.59 to -0.68 at 75%BW; r = -0.50 to - 0.64 at 100%BW). A few significant correlations between the parameters of the SJ and the CMJ with times of 5 and 10 m were found, and none with the isometric variables. The peak velocity reached during jumps with external loads relative to BW was found a good indicator of swimming start performance.
Department of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Granada.
Amador
A
García-Ramos
Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana.
Katja
K
Tomazin
Department of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Granada.
Belén
B
Feriche
Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana.
Vojko
V
Strojnik
Spanish Sport Council, Sierra Nevada Training Centre.
Blanca
B
de la Fuente
Spanish Sport Council, Sierra Nevada Training Centre.
Javier
J
Argüelles-Cienfuegos
Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana.
Boro
B
Strumbelj
Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana.
Igor
I
Štirn
dry land test; freestyle swimming; isometric test; jumps with additional resistance; swim start