V ˙ O 2 kinetics and tethered strength influence the 200-m front crawl stroke kinematics and speed in young male swimmers

Abstract

Background: The aim of this research was to examine the relationship between the fast component of oxygen consumption developed in 1-min ${\dot{V}O}_2$ and force indices both measured in tethered swimming test and to assess the influence of the gathered indices on speed and swimming kinematics in 200-m front crawl race. Methods: Forty-eight male swimmers (aged 13.5 ± 0.9 years old) participated in this study. Testing included 1) 1-min all-out front crawl tethered swimming while oxygen consumption (breath by breath) and tethered forces were measured, 2) 200-m front crawl race-like swimming featuring kinematic analysis, and 3) biological age (BA) examination. Results: During the 1-min all-out tethered swimming test, a linear increase in oxygen consumption was observed. There were moderate to high partial correlations between particular periods of seconds in the 1-min ${\dot{V}O}_2$ : 31-60, 41-60, and 51-60 and F _max, F _ave , and I _ave of tethered swimming, while 41-60 and 51-60 ${\dot{V}O}_2$ were moderately to highly interrelated with all the swimming speed indices and SI. The swimming speed indices significantly interplayed with SL, SI, F _max, F _ave , and I _ave . Partial correlations were computed with BA control. Conclusion: The ability of reaching a high level of ${\dot{V}O}_2$ fast is essential for a swimmer's energy production at short- and middle-distance events. Reaching a high level of ${\dot{V}O}_2$ significantly determines tethered strength and swimming kinematics. The level of ${\dot{V}O}_2$ influences the maintenance of a proper pulling force and the stroke technique of front crawl swimming in young male swimmers.

Keywords: adolescent swimming; biological age; front crawl; kinematic indices; oxygen uptake; tethered swimming.