INTRODUCTION: Research on swimming starts has included information on the block, flight, underwater and free swimming phases using a variety of technologies. This study examined variables contributing to overall starting performance. A system developed to better understand these phases comprised video, force and acceleration information. Testing demonstrated system reliability and the impact of intervention with an elite athlete. METHODS: The aim of the research was to fuse vision, force plate data and acceleration data to enhance quantitative feedback to coaches and swimmers. A platform incorporating four tri-axial force transducers was integrated into a starting block. Data was synchronised with video and wireless acceleration data for various levels of competitive swimmers. RESULTS: Measurements included horizontal and vertical force throughout the block phase, first movement, overall block and flight times and distance as well as time to the first stroke and number of strokes to 15m. Arellano et al. (2005) and Mason et al. (2007) suggested that horizontal force results in better starts. An elite swimmer had 1.2% variation in timing and peak forces between trials while the equivalent variability for a University level swimmer was 16% and 14% respectively. The intervention study showed no changes in the horizontal forces but 6% reduction in the vertical forces for an elite athlete. However, data from our studies is too limited to determine the best variables associated with overall start performance. DISCUSSION: Individual components have been developed that enable the start to be quantified throughout various phases. Results in pilot examples have highlighted the reliability of the data and the impact of intervention. The synchronisation of the data provides accurate and timely feedback. Future work will develop a more complete understanding of force and acceleration data.
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