INTRODUCTION: Underwater undulatory swimming (UUS) has progressed in speed over an Olympic cycle faster than surface swimming times (1). In 2008 we (NSF and OLT) started a project in order to catch up with this development. We planned to create the best physical resources in our swimmers for performing the UUS. Kinematic analysis of world class swimmers (WCS) showed they are able to maintain a high frequency and a small difference between the down and upsweep. METHODS: We conducted a case study on a norwegian top-level female swimmer (IS). We compared the video analysis of a WCS and IS using the same kinematic measurements as Loebbecke et. al 2009 (2) Based on these data we designed and implemented in training on land and water a set of exercises for improving stability, strength and flexibility especially for core and ankle. This training was performed 3 days a week. The progress of USS speed was tested: a. 15m start speed during competition, b. kicktest during training of 15m max speed test from a push-off . RESULTS: 15 m time during competition showed the most significant improvement, pre 2,01 m/s and posttraining 2,35 m/s. The push-off test has increased with 0,05 m/s. The kinematic measurements showed improvement in the ability to kick with higher frequency over time, 2,14 kicks/s pre and 2,38 kicks/s post. The frequency is 2,78 kicks/s for WCS. The difference between the down and upsweep is reduced from -0,07s to -0,05s. Plantar flexion on land improved, but during kicking is still less than observed in WCS, 86 and 72 degrees. DISCUSSION: The observed differences between the fastest male UUS and IS in kickspeed, upsweep kick and dynamic ankle flexibility were the reasons why we intensified the effort to improve the physical basis for the swimperformance. The results improved on those elements we considered important for UUS likewise did the swimperformance. Obviously there could be other explanations for this improvement like the new swimsuits. Nevertheless it seems the specific exercises for strength and flexibility designed on the basis of the observed difference in crucial techniqual elements contributed to improve these elements. Perhaps the greatest advantage seems to be the swimmers ability to use a big plantar flexion of the ankle.
© Copyright 2010 Biomechanics and Medicine in Swimming XI - Abstracts. Veröffentlicht von Norwegian School of Sport Sciences. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.