INTRODUCTION: Holthe and McLean (2001) showed that jumping power is a worthwhile parameter for predicting start times in sprint swimming. In this intervention study it is assumed that improving maximum strength and power in squad (SJ), counter movement (CMJ), and drop jump (DJ) leads to better start times in elite swimmers. METHODS: 5 male and 2 female swimmers of different German national swim teams performed a 4-week training intervention to optimize maximum strength and jumping power, as well as the start technique of the athletes. In single case experiments, each athlete performed maximum swim start trials as well as strength and jumping power tests before (pretest) and after (posttest) the 4-week training period. Another 4 weeks later a retention test was administered. The over all start time over a distance of 7.5 m was recorded by video analysis. Kinematic parameters (block time, flight time, and overall start time, angles at take off and water entry, take off velocity) were calculated by motion analysis. Dynamic data were measured as 3-dimensional ground reaction forces (1.000 Hz) by a specific mobile start block with an integrated force plate. The individual performance development in the kinematic and kinetic parameters between the three test dates was analysed by critical differences. Significance level was set by p < 0.05. RESULTS: The swimmers improved strength and power, as well as the start time (MPre = 2.70+0.28 s to MPost = 2.63+0.28 s; T = 3.59; n = 5; p < 0.05). The best female swimmer, qualifying for the WC 2006, improved maximum strength of the left and right leg, and drop jump (40) index from 136 pts to 166 pts (dkrit: p < 0.01) during the training period. Furthermore, in the final qualification competition the best female and male athlete reached personal best start times of 2.82 s (crawl) resp. 2.70 s (backstroke). DISCUSSION: The single case experiments showed that a 4-week training intervention with three weekly training sessions aiming at the maximum and explosive strength of the legs, as well as at the swim start technique is helpful to improve in most of the strength parameters and the overall start performance in swimming in elite athletes.
© Copyright 2010 Biomechanics and Medicine in Swimming XI - Abstracts. Published by Norwegian School of Sport Sciences. All rights reserved. / Translated by https://www.DeepL.com/Translator