Relationship between somatic build and kinematic indices of underwater undulatory swimming performed by young female swimmers

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between anthropometric indices and kinematic underwater undulatory swimming (UUS) variables among young female swimmers.

Methods: The following parameters were determined in 34 participants (age 16.74 ± 0.70 years, World Aquatics score 561 ± 64): body height (H), mass (M) and fat percentage (B_F), BMI, lengths of the lower limb (L_L), thigh (L_T), and calf (L_C), circumferences of thigh (C_T), maximum calf (C_CMAX) and distal lower leg (C_CDIS), skinfolds on the thigh (F_T) and calf (F_C), as well as foot length (F_L) and width (W_F), based on which an estimated foot surface area was calculated (S_F). Using the kinematic analysis of UUS recordings, the following were determined: velocity (v), frequency ( f ), distance per cycle (DPC), amplitude of toe (A) and product of A × f (I_Af). Pearson r correlation analysis was performed.

Results: A relationship was observed between v and: C_CMAX (r = 0.48), C_CDIS (r = 0.39) and L_F (r = 0.35). I_Af was correlated with: C_CDIS (r = 0.40), C_CMAX (r = 0.39) and M (r = 0.35). A relationship was observed between A and F_T (r = 0.45) and C_T (r = 0.42), as well as DPC with F_T (0.40) and C_CMAX (0.37).

Conclusions: The results indicate that the somatic structure has a small effect on the effectiveness and kinematic indices of UUS among young female swimmers.