In competitive swimming, underwater undulatory swimming (UUS) performance is usually associated with kicking symmetry when performed at maximal effort. However, in longer events where pacing is critical, is this still the case? Two male high-level swimmers completed prone UUS trials at maximum effort, pace and pace. Kinematic variables were gathered from three-dimensional underwater motion capture. Average hip velocity, kick frequency, kick amplitude, maximum knee flexion, downbeat duration, peak toe velocity and toe delay were calculated. Body position at peak vertical toe position and wave propagation along the body were also examined. Both swimmers achieved a similar reduction in speed between the prescribed paces, but through different kinematic approaches. One preserved a similar coordination pattern across pace and mainly reduced kicking frequency. In contrast, the second athlete showed a reduction in toe delay and relative downbeat duration at pace, together with greater hip extension and faster body wave propagation relative to the kicking period. Despite this change in coordination, peak toe velocity during the down-kick remained similar to maximum effort at pace. These changes highlight a switch from a symmetrical to a down-kick dominant technique between maximum effort and pace. Further work is required to investigate the potential benefits of an asymmetrical technique with regard to race pacing
© Copyright 2026 XVth International Symposium on Biomechanics and Medicine in Swimming Proceedings. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.