Abstract

<strong>Background:</strong> The analysis of kinematic characteristics in the glide phase after the start of swimming is significantly valuable for the technical optimization of competition. However, in the traditional analysis of kinematic parameters in time series are generally similar in the time axis, but their corresponding relationship is unknown. <strong>Objective:</strong> The objective of this study is to identify the difference in kinematic parameters in underwater phases of hands-free start and hands-together start by using a case of an Olympic champion in men’s 200 m individual medley competition, through the dynamic time warp (DTW) pattern-matching approach. <strong>Methods:</strong> An Olympic gold medal winner in the men’s 200 m individual medley competition is the subject of this study. The start techniques of hands-together and hands-free were included in the comparison. A Marker-Free Subaqueous Motion Recognition System was used to capture the motion, and nonlinear regressions between each kinematic parameter were made according to their theoretical physical relationships. And the DTW was applied to conduct the pattern matching. <strong>Results:</strong> The majority of the resistance loads on the swimmer’s body in the subaqueous glide phase is the pressure drag of the water, and the swimmer will have a higher instantaneous and average velocity at the end of the start when the swimmer keeps his or her hands together and arms straight forward in the subaqueous glide phase due to the dynamic benefit prepared during the whole glide phase. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> A start technique with hands-together and arms straight forwards could create mechanical and kinematical advantages for the swimmer, and the advantages might come from the optimal preload for the muscle activation at the end of the glide phase.

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