Silveira, R. P., Kanefuku, J. Y., Moré, F. C., & Castro, F. A. (2010). Effects of a Blueseventy™ bodysuit on spatial-temporal and coordinative parameters during an all-out 50-m front crawl stroke. A paper presented at the XIth International Symposium for Biomechanics and Medicine in Swimming, Oslo, June 16–19, 2010.

This study evaluated the effects of using a shoulder to ankle bodysuit (Blueseventy™) on spatial-temporal and coordinative parameters during an all-out 50 m front crawl swim. Ss (N = 6) performed two all-out 50 m trials (with and without the bodysuit), starting in the pool. Two sub-aquatic video cameras were used to acquire images from both sides of the pool. The cameras were carried manually using a chariot and rails. Arm stroke phases (entry-catch, pull, push, and recovery) and index of coordination were determined frame-by-frame. Kinematic variables were measured with a video camera positioned in the middle of the pool.

Bodysuit swimming velocity was higher as was stroke length. In the first half, there was no difference in the duration of the stroke phases. However, in the second 25 m half, the duration of the entry and catch phase and non-propulsive phase were shorter. No statistical differences in index of coordination were found.

Implication. Using the Blueseventy™ bodysuit enables swimming an average of ~4.7% faster, which is more than found in a study by Chatard and Wilson (2008), who reported a ~3.2% increase using a FastSkin™ bodysuit. It is likely that the larger increase in speed found in this study is due to the fabric composition of the suits from Blueseventy™. The increase in speed was due to an increase in stroke length, which resulted in improved swimming economy. The shorter entry and catch phases, during the second half of the trial, resulted in a significant decrease in the non-propulsive duration.

Reference: Chatard, J. C., & Wilson, B. (2008). Effect of Fastskin suits on performance, drag, and energy cost of swimming. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 40(6), 1149-1154.

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