THE EFFECT OF RESISTED AND ASSISTED FREESTYLE SWIMMING ON STROKE MECHANICS

Abstract

A three-dimensional analysis was conducted on the stroke mechanics of four female junior elite swimmers. They swam one 50 m freestyle trial for each of three conditions: resisted, assisted, and free swimming. Stroke length (SL), stroke rate (SR), maximum hand depth (rnax hand depth), body roll, and average forward velocity (avg fwd v) were evaluated. There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) found between conditions among SL. SR, rnax hand depth, and avg fwd v. During the resist trial, SL, SR, max hand depth, and avg fwd v all decreased. During the assist trial, SL, SR, avg fwd v increased, and rnax hand depth decreased. The changes due to resisted swimming suggest an undesirable affect on stroke mechanics. While some changes seen in assisted swimming may appear beneficial, both methods of tethered training remain questionable.