LOWER TRUNK MUSCLE ACTIVITY DURING FRONT CRAWL SWIMMING IN A SINGLE LEG AMPUTEE

Abstract

This study examined lower trunk muscle activity during front crawl swimming in a single leg amputee and in a triathlete of equivalent swimming performance level. EMG of four lower trunk muscles was recorded and underwater video was made during a 50m all out front crawl swim. Compared to the triathlete, the amputee demonstrated relatively long periods of activity in the four muscles examined, less relaxation and less symmetry in muscle activity between right and left body side. In both athletes their individual lower trunk muscle activity patterns coincided with specific arm and leg kick movement phases. The individual patterns were consistent for all arm stroke cycles over the entire 50m swimming trial.