Front Crawl Technique, Swimming Kinematics, Swimming Technique
Conditions
Keywords
tethered swimming, front crawl, swimming kinematics, adolescent swimmers, accelerometer, swimming technique
Brief summary
This study evaluated the acute effects of two low-intensity front crawl training conditions on swimming kinematics in adolescent swimmers. After a standardized warm-up, participants performed either low-intensity tethered front crawl or low-intensity free-swimming front crawl. Kinematic measurements were obtained immediately after task completion using an accelerometer. One week later, the final exercise condition was rotated between groups so that both groups completed both training conditions.
Detailed description
This study investigated the effects of two low-intensity front crawl training conditions on swimming kinematics in adolescent swimmers. All participants completed the same standardized warm-up protocol. After the warm-up, Group A performed 6 × 10 cycles of low-intensity tethered front crawl with 10-second rest intervals between sets, while Group B performed 6 × 50 m of low-intensity front crawl starting every 60 seconds. During both exercise conditions, participants were instructed to focus on stroke length and correct body position in the water.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALLow-Intensity Tethered Front Crawl Swimming
Participants performed 6 × 10 cycles of low-intensity front crawl while tethered, with 10-second rest intervals between sets. During the exercise, participants were instructed to focus on stroke length and correct body position in the water.
BEHAVIORALLow-Intensity Free Front Crawl Swimming
Participants performed 6 × 50 m of low-intensity front crawl, starting every 60 seconds. During the exercise, participants were instructed to focus on stroke length and correct body position in the water.
Sponsors
Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
CROSSOVER
Primary purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
NONE
Intervention model description
Participants completed two low-intensity front crawl conditions in a crossover design. After a standardized warm-up, Group A performed tethered front crawl and Group B performed free-swimming front crawl. One week later, the final exercise condition was rotated between groups so that both groups completed both intervention conditions.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
12 Years to 14 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Competitive adolescent swimmers from a local sports club * Regular swimming training history since approximately 9-10 years of age * Current training frequency of approximately 7-8 sessions per week * Regular participation in national-level swimming competitions * At least 2 years of regular swimming training experience * Ability to complete the study procedures, including low-intensity front crawl conditions and accelerometer-based measurement
Exclusion criteria
* Current injury or musculoskeletal condition preventing participation * Failure to meet the required age criteria * Less than 2 years of regular swimming training experience * Inability to complete the study procedures
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Front Crawl Kinematic Variables Measured by Accelerometer | Baseline and 1 week | ront crawl kinematic variables were assessed with an accelerometer during each 50 m front crawl trial performed after the assigned exercise condition. Variables included body roll (maximum angular velocity around the vertical axis \[ωmaxR\] and maximum pelvic tilt angle around the vertical axis \[AmaxR\]), yaw rotation (maximum angular velocity around the sagittal axis \[ωmaxY\] and acceleration along the transverse axis \[atmax\]), pitch rotation (maximum angular velocity around the transverse axis \[ωmaxP\] and acceleration along the sagittal axis \[asmax\]), and progressive movement (maximum acceleration along the vertical axis \[avmax\]). |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Time to Achieve 50 m | Baseline and 1 week | Time required to complete 50 m front crawl, expressed in seconds. |
| Stroke Length | Baseline and 1 week | Stroke length during front crawl, expressed in meters. |
Countries
Poland
Outcome results
None listed