Effect of Standardizing Kick Plate Position on Track Start Biomechanics in Elite Swimmers
Abstract
In the swimming track start the kick plate position on the starting block is chosen by the level of comfort of the swimmer but may influence performance. Hundredths of a second often determine the winner of short distance races. Therefore, it is crucial for a swimmer to produce a biomechanically sound start. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of standardizing kick plate positioning based on shin length on selected biomechanics. 15 swimmers (males, 10; females, 5; age, 21.3 ± 1.7 yrs; height, 1.79 ± 0.08 m; mass, 77.4 ± 10.4 kg) participated in the study. Shin length was measured between the tibia’s lateral condyle and lateral malleolus. Participants were filmed with two 120Hz cameras while performing 3 starts at 3 kick plate positions (< shin length, shin length, and > shin length). We determined reaction time, block phase time, flight phase time, flight distance, underwater phase time, and time to the 15 meter mark via Dartfish software. Data were reduced using RM ANOVA, p<.05 Only reaction time (RT) was significantly different between the 3 kick plate positions (F(2,28)=4.713, p=.017). Post-hoc analysis showed RT was lower when kick plate distance was one shin’s length versus < shin length (0.173±0.034 vs 0.194±0.061 sec) and > shin length (0.173±0.034 vs 0.195±0.047 sec), p<.05. 9/15 (60%) participants produced faster 15 m mark times with the kick plate at one shin’ length. Coaches and athletes may consider using shin length as a guide for positioning the kick plate to enhance performance.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. Monique Mokha
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Shermany Library
Start Date
4-5-2019 1:00 PM
End Date
4-5-2019 5:00 PM
Effect of Standardizing Kick Plate Position on Track Start Biomechanics in Elite Swimmers
Alvin Shermany Library
In the swimming track start the kick plate position on the starting block is chosen by the level of comfort of the swimmer but may influence performance. Hundredths of a second often determine the winner of short distance races. Therefore, it is crucial for a swimmer to produce a biomechanically sound start. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of standardizing kick plate positioning based on shin length on selected biomechanics. 15 swimmers (males, 10; females, 5; age, 21.3 ± 1.7 yrs; height, 1.79 ± 0.08 m; mass, 77.4 ± 10.4 kg) participated in the study. Shin length was measured between the tibia’s lateral condyle and lateral malleolus. Participants were filmed with two 120Hz cameras while performing 3 starts at 3 kick plate positions (< shin length, shin length, and > shin length). We determined reaction time, block phase time, flight phase time, flight distance, underwater phase time, and time to the 15 meter mark via Dartfish software. Data were reduced using RM ANOVA, p<.05 Only reaction time (RT) was significantly different between the 3 kick plate positions (F(2,28)=4.713, p=.017). Post-hoc analysis showed RT was lower when kick plate distance was one shin’s length versus < shin length (0.173±0.034 vs 0.194±0.061 sec) and > shin length (0.173±0.034 vs 0.195±0.047 sec), p<.05. 9/15 (60%) participants produced faster 15 m mark times with the kick plate at one shin’ length. Coaches and athletes may consider using shin length as a guide for positioning the kick plate to enhance performance.
