Leg Dominance and OSB12 Kick Start Performance in Young Competitive Swimmers

Ivan Matúš,Pavol Čech,Bibiana Vadašová,Pavel Ružbarský

doi:10.3390/ijerph182413156

Ivan Matúš, Pavol Čech + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182413156

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine differences in starting and kick-plate positions, pointing to an effect on kick-start performance with the dominant and non-dominant feet placed on the front edge of the OSB12 starting block. The sample included 20 female competitive swimmers whose average age was 16.1 ± 0.6 years. To assess swimmers’ lower body explosive strength and determine leg dominance, a triple hop distance test was administered. We determined the swimmers’ preferred starting position on a starting block in terms of the kick-plate setting and body position on the starting block. The results of our study demonstrate the importance of leg dominance and positioning on the OSB12 starting block. After the preferred starting position was determined, the optimal position for the kick start was selected. When the dominant leg was placed on the front edge of the starting block (p < 0.05; Cohen’s d—large effect), swimmers produced shorter block times and times to 2 and 5 m. For most of the tested swimmers, the optimal basic position on the starting block included neutral- and rear-weighted positions with the kick plate set to positions 3–4 and the right leg placed on the front edge of the OSB12 starting block.

Highlights

Preferred starting position on a starting block in terms of the kick-plate setting and body position on the starting block
From the viewpoint of lower leg dominance and leg positioning on the starting block, Hardt et al [14] found that the dominant track start stance, be it left foot forward or right foot forward, was not related to any of the footedness measures when starting from the previous model of the starting block
The measurements during kick starts with different OSB12 kick-plate positions showed that the optimal kick-start positions for the swimmers included the neutral- and rear-weighted positions with the kick plate in positions 3–4

Summary

Introduction

Preferred starting position on a starting block in terms of the kick-plate setting and body position on the starting block. The results of our study demonstrate the importance of leg dominance and positioning on the OSB12 starting block. When the dominant leg was placed on the front edge of the starting block (p < 0.05; Cohen’s d—large effect), swimmers produced shorter block times and times to 2 and 5 m. For most of the tested swimmers, the optimal basic position on the starting block included neutral- and rear-weighted positions with the kick plate set to positions 3–4 and the right leg placed on the front edge of the OSB12 starting block. Leg dominance was not determined, but there were differences in the start performance depending on which leg was placed on the front edge of the starting block. These studies do not provide a complex overview of various leg angles and kick-plate positions during the takeoff from OSB12

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Conclusion