COMPARISON BETWEEN VELOCITY PROFILES OF THE ASSISTED TOWING METHOD AND FREE SWIM VELOCITY

Abstract

Active drag is computed based upon three variables: free swimming velocity, towing velocity and belt force. Mason et al. (2011) assumed that the shape of towing velocity profile was similar to the shape of free swim velocity profile. The aim of this study was to compare these two velocities profiles. Four national male swimmers performed two free swim trials using a velocity transducer and two assisted towing trials using the dynamometer. Relative maximum to minimum velocity of the mean value for free swimming trials and the towing trials was approximately 19% and 13% respectively. The different phases of the right arm stroke for both velocity profiles were compared and the result showed significant differences between all phases except the downsweep phase. It can be concluded that using the assisted towing method may change stroke mechanics.