A group of 26 under-active elderly men (55 yrs or +) followed a swimming program for 5 months. Before starting, they all could swim continuously at least 5 min. Three experts, helped by 5 students specialising in this field, offered individual technical advice on the strokes and especially on various breaststroke variants. Their techniques were frequently video-taped from side and front view, above and below the water surface. Movement variables related to body balance, propulsion and drag were visualised and calculated using a specific video digitising system. Shoulder flexibility was measured on dry land, and in the water during the glide after a push-off from the wall and in the launching breaststroke variant. The performance improvements at the beginning of the program could be explained by improvements in technique and at the end by improvements in both technique and endurance. The main technique improvements in breaststroke were faster propulsive phases of arms and legs and a longer glide phase allowing a reduced drag section.
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