Abstract
Objective data on swimming performance is needed to meet the demands of the swimming coach and athlete. The purpose of this study is to use a multiple inertial measurement units to calculate Lap Time, Velocity, Stroke Count, Stroke Duration, Stroke Rate and Phases of the Stroke (Entry, Pull, Push, Recovery) in front crawl swimming. Using multiple units on the body, an algorithm was developed to calculate the phases of the stroke based on the relative position of the body roll. Twelve swimmers, equipped with these devices on the body, performed fatiguing trials. The calculated factors were compared to the same data derived to video data showing strong positive results for all factors. Four swimmers required individual adaptation to the stroke phase calculation method. The developed algorithm was developed using a search window relative to the body roll (peak/trough). This customization requirement demonstrates that single based devices will not be able to determine these phases of the stroke with sufficient accuracy.
Highlights
Most swimming research tends to focus on descriptive stroke characteristics, such as stroke rate, because they are more ‘readily observable’ [1]
Coaches can work with sports science practitioners to employ scientific methods to enhance the level of detail they can use in their coaching practice
Future work should focus on developing visualization techniques for coaches, and testing these as suggested by Rowlands, James and Lee [72]. This system demonstrates the capabilities of multiple sensor systems in processing multiple variables simultaneously on a swimmer
Summary
Most swimming research tends to focus on descriptive stroke characteristics, such as stroke rate, because they are more ‘readily observable’ [1] This is true when coaching swimming, where coaches will provide extrinsic feedback, involving demonstrations and verbal instructions/descriptions, based on the premise of what the coach could see [2,3]. Sensors 2015, 15 when considering gross movements [4,5], so when considering detailed biomechanical factors, there will inevitably be a greater degree of inaccuracy To overcome this bias, coaches can work with sports science practitioners to employ scientific methods to enhance the level of detail they can use in their coaching practice. There will be a coaching team around the coach and athlete/team, which is often only seen at the higher levels of sport This will allow the practitioner to discuss data with the coach and create extrinsic feedback to help the athlete. The use of technology in sport can help facilitate this
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