Is There Any Effect of Symmetry on Velocity of the Four Swimming Strokes?

• DOI: 10.3390/sym14010012
• Publication Date: 2021-12-23T07:02:57Z
• Authors: Raul Bartolomeu; Pedro Rodrigues; Catarina Santos; Mário Costa; Tiago Barbosa
• Keywords: Front crawl

The different characteristics of the four swimming strokes affect interplay between limbs, acting as a constraint to force produced by each hand and foot. purpose this study was analyze symmetry production with varying number limbs in action see its effect on velocity. Fifteen male swimmers performed all-out bouts 25-m swims full-body stroke segmental actions. A differential pressure system used measure hands/feet propulsive mechanical velocity meter Symmetry index calculated based values. All conditions presented contralateral limb asymmetries (ranging from 6.73% 28% for peak 9.3% 35.7% mean force). Backstroke most asymmetric stroke, followed-up butterfly, front crawl, breaststroke. Kicking elicited higher compared arm-pull conditions. No significant associations were found absence such association suggests that, certain unknown extent, may benefit asymmetry.