Relationship between performance, dry-land power and kinematics in master swimmers.

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to analyze the relationships between sprint swimming performance, dry-land power, and kinematics in master swimmers. Twenty-two male master swimmers were separated in two groups based on their chronological age: (i) 30-39 years and; (ii) 40-49 years. Maximum dry-land power was determined through counter movement jump and 3 kg medicine ball throwing (Hmax and Tmax, respectively). Kinematic determinants of performance were measured during a maximal bout of 15, 25 and 50 m front crawl (T15, T25, T50). Stroke frequency (SF), stroke length (SL) and stroke index (SI) were calculated as kinematical aspects of the stroke. In the 30-39 group, SI25 was correlated to T25 (r = -0.76, p < 0.01, η2 = 0.96), the same was observed between SI50 and T50 (r = -0.83, p < 0.01, η2 = 0.96). Only SI50 was significantly correlated to T50 (r = 0.86, p < 0.01, η2 = 0.97) in the 40-49 years age cohort. In dryland power variables, Hmax and Tmax were only correlated in the younger master swimmers group (r = -0.87, p < 0.01, η2 = 0.97). There were no significant differences (p < 0.05) between younger (30-39 years) and older (40-49 years) swimmers groups in dry-land tests (Hmax 28.5 ± 5.9 vs. 26.5 ± 3.9 cm and Tmax 4.2 ± 1.0 vs. 4.2 ± 1.1 m). Our results suggest that swimming performance in younger master swimmers (30-39 years) seem more dependent on kinematic swimming variables than on strength parameters, which were most related to swimming performance in the older master swimmers (40-49 years).