Abstract
The current study examined the back plate position impact on the block phase movement pattern and total starting performance with a distinction for sex. Thirty-eight swimmers performed starts changing the back plate position (preferred position, one position forward and one position backward), with the data being assessed using a 3D dynamometric central and a video camera. In males, the 15 m start time was 0.1 s shorter for the preferred position compared with the backward position (p < 0.05). Regardless of the back plate positioning, the swimmers spent a similar time on the block. A more forward position of the back plate postponed the rear foot take-off and consequently reduced the front foot stand duration. A back plate position effect was revealed for those variables with a larger effect size in males whereas in females, a change of about two positions was needed to reach a significance level. Probably due to the specification of physical domains, a greater impact on the changes introduced was noted for males. Therefore, whilst searching for the optimal starting position, adjustments to the back plate placement might affect a greater number of males than females. To reinforce the starting optimization during the training process and its monitoring, the effect of personal preference toward the starting block setting was also considered.
Highlights
IntroductionIn competitive swimming (an individual and cyclic sport), the main goal is to swim as fast as possible over a set distance
To excel in any sport, it is necessary to optimize all performance components
This study presented the superiority of the preferential back plate position for the ventral start performance of male swimmers compared with the conditions incorporating the backward back plate position
Summary
In competitive swimming (an individual and cyclic sport), the main goal is to swim as fast as possible over a set distance. A competitive swimming event should be analyzed with regard to its distinct phases, i.e., the starting, swimming, turning and finishing segments [1,2]. Following Federación Internacional de Natación (FINA)-specific rules, the start phase can last up to 15 m from the starting line with swimmers performing actions in both terrestrial and water environments. To propel themselves from the starting block, swimmers involve their whole body (even if the lower limbs are the main impulse generators [3,4]), with each limb role highly dependent on its relative positioning. It is known that the initial starting position determines the overall performance of the start and the characteristics of its elements [2,5,6]. In the kick-start, the lower limbs are placed in a staggered position [2] with the rear lower limbs having a significant importance in producing horizontal velocity and the front lower limbs contributing decisively to vertical velocity production and body weight support [7–10]
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