Arrasto hidrodinâmico activo e potência mecânica máxima em nadadores pré-juniores de Portugal

Abstract

Active Drag and Maximal Mechanical Power in Juvenile Portuguese Swimmers. The aim of this research was to characterize the active drag force (D) and the maximal propulsive power (P) of juvenile Portuguese swimmers of high performance potencial. As a secondary purpose, we compared these characteristics with those of Portuguese top level swimmers, and international elite swimmers. 61 pre-junior Portuguese swimmers were studied, 29 males (15-16 years old) and 32 females (13-14 years old). As reference samples we used 5 males and 3 females of Portuguese top level, and 3 swimmers of international elite. D force and drag coefficient (CD) were assessed through the method of constant maximal propulsive power. This late was calculated through the product of drag and swimming velocity. Results pointed out that: (i) D values, at maximal swimming velocity, are lower in younger swimmers and in international top level ones; (ii) D values, at maximal swimming velocity, and maximal swimming velocity itself, were higher for males than for females; (iii) CD values tended to be higher for males than for female counterparts, and seem to do not change with age and performance level; (iv) P grows with age, and tend to be higher in male, than in female swimmers.