Wada, T., Sato, T., Ohishi, K., Tago, T., Izumi, T, Matsumoto, T., Yamamoto, N., Isaka, T., & Shimoyama, Y. (2010). An analysis of the underwater gliding motion in collegiate competitive swimmers. A paper presented at the XIth International Symposium for Biomechanics and Medicine in Swimming, Oslo, June 16–19, 2010.

This study analyzed the underwater gliding motion of male collegiate competitive swimmers (N = 12). Ss performed an underwater gliding motion as fast as possible after pushing off the wall. During the underwater gliding motion, Ss held a streamlined position. Ss were monitored with an underwater video camera in the sagittal plane to measure the angular displacement of the different joints. Ss were asked to wear two different models of swimsuits: one made of conventional fabrics; the other a recently developed, so-called high-speed swimsuit (Speedp Fastskin LZR Racer).

The swimming velocity in conventional swimsuits decreased when the flexion-extension movement in the knee and the hip joints were performed during underwater gliding motion. The swimming velocity of those wearing an LZR swimsuit showed that the highest speed was maintained during the gliding motion when the knee and the hip joint angles of 180 degrees were maintained from the start to 0.8sec.

Implication. After pushing off the wall, swimmers have to hold a streamlined posture. The highest velocity was maintained during the gliding motion for 0.08 seconds after the push-off with the knee and the hip joint angles at 180°.

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