Biomechanical Analysis of Front Crawl Swimming by Total Immersion Method

Abstract

The ability to swim effectively and economically is of great importance for the safety of water recreation, the performance of rescue and military operations, the intensification of physical activity and the improvement of various population groups, etc. Promoters of the popular crawl swimming method using the full immersion method declare its higher efficiency and economy compared to the classic crawl. Such a statement requires an objective comparison of the main biomechanical characteristics of the mentioned swimming methods, which have not been sufficiently studied for the first method.

The aim of the study was to determine the main biomechanical characteristics of crawl swimming using the full immersion method and compare them with the corresponding characteristics of the classic crawl.

To achieve the set goal, underwater video recording with a frequency of 120 Hertz, its computer biomechanical analysis, as well as methods of comparison and statistical processing of the obtained data were used.

The features of the phase structure of the swimming cycle in the specified method and the limit poses of the swimmer in different phases were studied and analyzed, the nature of the change in the instantaneous horizontal swimming speed during the cycle was calculated, the nature of the change in the driving force in the cycle and the reasons for such changes were revealed. The work of the legs and its synchronization with the work of the hands were described, the movement of the center of mass of both hands and the change in the cycle of the mutual location of the centers of mass and body buoyancy were calculated, the length and frequency of strokes, swimming speed, stroke quality, etc. were determined.

Comparison of the biomechanical characteristics of swimming with a crawl by the method of full immersion and the traditional method objectively confirms the higher efficiency and economy of the first due to an increase in the length of strokes, a decrease in their frequency and a decrease in hydrodynamic resistance to movement, as well as a lower variation of the instantaneous speed of movement in the cycle of fixed points on the trunk and the center of mass of the body.

The results of the biomechanical analysis of swimming with a full immersion method confirmed its higher efficiency compared to the classic crawl. Its application in commercial and recreational swimming is expected to increase the attractiveness and safety of water recreation, as well as the effectiveness of rescue, military or other operations involving swimming.