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_____ Sp Soc Int J Ph Ed Sp 2014 - Volume 14 –Issue 1 ______
24
RELATIONSHIPS OF FREESTYLE SWIMMING PERFORMANCE WITH
DYNAMIC STRENGTH AND SHOULDER ISOKINETIC PARAMETERS
ERKAN, M.1, AKDOĞAN, E.2, KALE, M.3
1Anadolu University, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Department of Recreation
2Anadolu University, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Department of Coach Training in Sports
3Anadolu University, Iki Eylul Campus, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Department of Coach Training
in Sports, 26555, Eskisehir, Turkey. Phone: 0090 3350580/673, E-mail: mkale@anadolu.edu.tr
ABSTRACT
It is thought that upper body dynamic strength and shoulder isokinetic parameters are related with freestyle
swimming performance. The purpose of this study was to investigate relationships of freestyle swimming performance
with dynamic strength parameters and shoulder isokinetic parameters. Nine male swimmers of Anadolu University
Swimming Team [age (year)= 22.9±2.7, body height (cm)= 170.0±5.25, body weight (kg)= 74.1±7.0, BMI= 22.0±2.62
(kg/m2); body fat percent (%)= 12.4±4.9] voluntary participated to the study. Freestyle swimming performances (25m
and 50m) were tested by a touchpad chronometer system for a semi-Olympic swimming pool (25m). One repetition
maximal test for bench press, clean, and push press was used as upper body dynamic strength parameters. Shoulder
isokinetic parameters at 60, 180, and 300o.s-1 angular velocities were extension peak torque, flexion peak torque, and
flexion/extension peak torque rate of shoulders. Relationships of freestyle swimming performance with upper body
dynamic strength parameters and shoulder isokinetic parameters were analysed with Pearson Correlation Coefficient.
Probability level was ≤0.05. The results of this study showed that there were no statistically correlations of freestyle
swimming performance with upper body dynamic strength parameters and shoulder isokinetic parameters at 60, 180,
and 300o.s-1 angular velocities. In conclusion, there are more studies about different angular velocities of shoulder
isokinetic parameters and maximal strength of upper body parameters.
Keywords: Freestyle swimming, Bench press, Clean, Push press, Extension peak torque, Flexion peak torque
INTRODUCTION
Several conditioning training methods in swimming have been described to increase physical
performance characteristics of swimmers [3]. The efficiencies of the training programs depend on the
specificity of swimming event and training intensity. Two main training methods, which are in-water and
dry-land, have been developed in training methods for swimmers [2]. Bench press, clean, and push press are
important dry-land strength training method in upper body strength development for swimmer but there is no
study about the relationship between swimming performance and upper body strength. The purpose of this
study was to investigate relationships of freestyle swimming performance with upper body dynamic strength
parameters and shoulder isokinetic parameters.
METHODS
Subjects: Voluntary 9 male swimmers [age (year)= 22.9±2.7, body height (cm)= 170.0±5.25, body
weight (kg)= 74.1±7.0, BMI= 22.0±2.62 (kg/m2); body fat percent (%)= 12.4±4.9] of Anadolu University
swimming team participated in this study. No injury in the shoulder joint was reported during this study.
Testing Procedure
Swimming Performance: All the swimmers performed two maximal freestyle swimming
performances in both 25m and 50m with two days interval. Each freestyle swimming performance had two
trials with a 15min active recovery period. The tests were always preceded by the same warm-up routine.
The data collection was conducted in a 25m indoor swimming pool. In both tests in-water starts were used
and swimmers performed the maximal trial alone in each lane. The time spent to cover the swim distances
were determined by two experts with a touchpad chronometer system (Daktronics, USA).
Isokinetic Tests: Isokinetic shoulder extension and flexion were tested with an isokinetic
dynamometer (Humac Norm Testing & Rehabilitation System, USA) at 60o.s-1, 180o.s-1, and 300o.s-1 angular
velocities. Each angular velocity test consists 5 maximal efforts. For prevent injuries and providing
adaptation, 3 trial repetitions for a warm up were applied before test for each angular velocity. The isokinetic
dynamometer was calibrated as indicated by CSMI [1]. Subjects were placed in the supine position on the
adjustable chair and the hips stabilized with belts. Since the anatomical axis of rotation of the shoulder joint
changes during extension and flexion, the shoulder was aligned with the dynamometer axis of rotation when
the limb was in a horizontal position at 0o. From this position each subject performed reciprocal extension
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and flexion movements around the shoulder joint. During test process, subjects informed about their
extension and flexion performances and also subjects motivated verbally.
Dynamic Strength Tests: Each swimmer's dynamic muscle maximal strength was assessed by using
1RM protocol according to Wood et al [4] in three strength tests with free-weights on the bar: bench press,
clean and push press. All dynamic muscle strength tests sessions included a 10-15min warm up and 5-7min
cool-down periods consisting of aerobic exercise in synthetic indoor field, which was followed by 5-8min
stretching exercises for all major muscle groups. One repetition maximum test (1RM) was performed in a
single repetition by adding weights (Werksan, Türkei) to the Olympic bar after 2 warm-up sets of 10 to 12
repetitions using light resistance through a complete range of motion. After each successful lift, attempts
continued by adding weights (100gr-20kg) until the swimmer could no longer lift the weight (generally
achieved in 4-6 attempts). Swimmers actively rested for 3min among repetitions and 5min among exercises
for the recovery of the anaerobic energy systems.
Statistical Analyses Statistical analysis was carried out on SPSS for Windows (Chicago, Illinois,
U.S.A.). Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to establish the relationships of freestyle swimming
performance with the dynamic strength parameters and shoulder isokinetic parameters. Statistical
significance was determined using a probability level of p ≤ 0.05.
RESULTS
Mean and standard deviations freestyle swimming performance, dynamic strength parameters, and
shoulder isokinetic parameters at 60o.sn-1, 180o.sn-1, and 300o.sn-1 angular velocities were presented in Table
1, 2, and 3. Tables 4 and 5 showed the correlation coefficients of freestyle swimming performance with the
dynamic strength parameters and the shoulder isokinetic strength parameters.
Table 1. Means and Standard Deviations of Freestyle Swimming Performance
Freestyle Swimming Performance
(n=9)
25m
(s)
50m
(s)
Mean±SD
13.14±0.83
28.85±1.73
Table 2. Means and Standard Deviations of Dynamic Strength Parameters
Dynamic Strength Parameters
(n=9)
Bench Press
(kg)
Clean
(kg)
Push Press
(kg)
Mean±SD
59.4±12.86
46.7±13.2
43.3±10.0
Table 3. Means and Standard Deviations of Shoulder Isokinetic Parameters
Shoulder Isokinetic Parameters (n=9)
600.s-1
(Nm)
Mean SD
1800.s-1
(Nm)
Mean SD
3000.s-1
(Nm)
Mean SD
Right Arm
Flexion
69±15
60±14
62±21
Extension
104±16
88±19
65±20
Flexion/Extension
0.7±0.1
0.6±0.2
0.5±0.3
Left Arm
Flexion
72±13
68±13
75±22
Extension
99±19
80±15
60±18
Flexion/Extension
0.7±0.1
0.6±0.3
0.3±0.3
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26
Table 4. Correlations between Dynamic Strength Parameters and Freestyle Swimming Performances
25m
50m
Bench Press
-0.278
-0.047
Clean
-0.364
-0.172
Push Press
-0.285
-0.075
Table 4 showed that there were no significant relationships between dynamic strength parameters
including bench press, clean, and push press and freestyle swimming performances of 25m and 50m.
Table 5. Correlations between Shoulder Isokinetic Parameters and Freestyle Swimming Performances
25m
50m
600.s-1
Right Arm
Flexion
-0.138
-0.033
Extension
-0.139
0.063
Flexion/Extension
0.015
-0.058
Left Arm
Flexion
0.386
0.508
Extension
0.219
0.355
Flexion/Extension
0.318
0.222
1800.s-1
Right Arm
Flexion
-0.054
0.045
Extension
-0.161
-0.009
Flexion/Extension
0.090
0.065
Left Arm
Flexion
0.504
0.539
Extension
0.305
0.460
Flexion/Extension
0.332
0.365
3000.s-1
Right Arm
Flexion
-0.103
-0.077
Extension
-0.036
0.178
Flexion/Extension
0.018
0.081
Left Arm
Flexion
0.306
0.359
Extension
0.287
0.431
Flexion/Extension
-0.273
-0.344
Table 5 showed that there were no significant relationships between shoulder isokinetic parameters
at 60, 180, and 300o.s-1 angular velocities and freestyle swimming performances of 25m and 50m.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
The results of this study showed that there were no statistically correlations of freestyle swimming
performance with upper body dynamic strength parameters and shoulder isokinetic parameters at 60, 180,
and 300o.s-1 angular velocities. The reason for these results may be that swimmers had no experience about
dynamic strength training background in this study. It is speculated that the training including dry-land
programme especially upper body dynamic strength exercises can be effectively role for 25m and 50m
swimming performances but there are more studies about different angular velocities of shoulder isokinetic
parameters and upper body dynamic strength parameters.
REFERENCES
[1] Computer Sport Medicine, Inc. (CSMI) Humac Norm Testing & Rehabilitation System User Guide
Model 770.2003; Stoughton, MA.
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27
[2] Girold S. Maurin D. Dugue B. Chatard JC. Millet G. Effects of Dry-land vs. Resisted- and
Assisted-sprint Exercises on Swimming Sprint Performances. Journal of Strength and Conditioning
Research. 2007; 21(2):599–605.
[3] Tanaka H. Costill DL. Thomas R. Fink WJ. Widrick JJ. Dryland Resistance Training for
Competitive Swimming. Medicine & Science in Sports and Exercise. 1993; 25(8): 952–959.
[4] Wood TM. Maddalozzo GF. Harter RA. Accuracy of seven equations for predicting 1-RM
performance of apperently healty, sedentary older adults. Measurement Physical Education Exercise
Science.2002; 6(2): 67-94.
