Mechanical characteristics of swimming start: kinematics of track and grab techniques
Subject Areas : Journal of Simulation and Analysis of Novel Technologies in Mechanical Engineering
Mohsen Abouei
1
,
Shahram Lenjannejadian
2
*
1 - Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Isfahan
2 - Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Isfahan
Keywords: Sport biomechanics, Swimming start, Kinematics, Track and grab, Flight distance.,
Abstract :
Historically, various techniques have been employed for swimming starts; however, contemporary advancements in the design of starting blocks have led to the predominance of the Track and Grab starts among competitive swimmers. This study aimed to investigate and compare selected kinematic parameters between these two swimming start techniques. The study participants included eight swimmers with a mean age of 13 ± 1.7 years, a mean height of 158 ± 7 cm, and a mean weight of 57.8 ± 16.5 kg, each possessing an average of 3 ± 1.5 years of competitive experience. A two-dimensional motion analysis was conducted using high-speed cameras to collect kinematic parameters, which included flight distance, platform separation angle, water entry angle, angular velocities of selected joints, and the horizontal linear velocity of the pelvis at the moment of detachment from the platform. Kinematic data were captured by two cameras positioned on either side of the pool, recording at 120 frames per second. The results indicated a significant difference between the two techniques regarding the angular velocity of the left knee (Grab= 41.1(5.8) and Track= 80.9(5.0) (Deg./s), p= 0.024) and the linear velocity of the pelvis (Grab= 2.0(6.9) and Track= 2.1(3.1) (m/s), p= 0.036) prior to water entry, with the Track start technique demonstrating superior performance in both parameters. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that the track start demonstrates superior performance regarding these variables, providing increased initial speed upon entering the water and facilitating a more effective trajectory thereafter. While no significant difference was observed in flight distance, the variations in linear velocity may provide valuable insights for swimmers and their coaches.
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