Topic
Front crawl
About: Front crawl is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 614 publications have been published within this topic receiving 11870 citations. The topic is also known as: forward crawl.
Papers published on a yearly basis
Papers
TL;DR: Essential performance-determining factors in front crawl swimming can be analysed within a biomechanical framework, in reference to the physiological basis of performance, and drag in groups of elite swimmers homogeneous with respect to swimming technique is determined by anthropometric dimensions.
Abstract: Essential performance-determining factors in front crawl swimming can be analysed within a biomechanical framework, in reference to the physiological basis of performance. These factors include: active drag forces, effective propulsive forces, propelling efficiency and power output. The success of a swimmer is determined by the ability to generate propulsive force, while reducing the resistance to forward motion. Although for a given competitive stroke a range of optimal stroking styles may be expected across a sample of swimmers, a common element of technique related to a high performance level is the use of complex sculling motions of the hands to generate especially lift forces. By changing the orientation of the hand the propulsive force acting on the hand is aimed successfully in the direction of motion. Furthermore, the swimming velocity (v) is related to drag (A), power input (Pi, the rate of energy liberation via the aerobic/anaerobic metabolism), the gross efficiency (eg), propelling efficiency (ep), and power output (Po) according to: [formula; see text] Based on the research available at present it is concluded that: (a) drag in groups of elite swimmers homogeneous with respect to swimming technique is determined by anthropometric dimensions; (b) total mechanical power output (Po) is important since improvement in performance is related to increased Po. Furthermore, it shows dramatic changes with training and possibly reflects the size of the 'swimming engine'; (c) propelling efficiency seems to be important since it is much higher in elite swimmers (61%) than in triathletes (44%); and (d) distance per stroke gives a fairly good indication of propelling efficiency and may be used to evaluate individual progress in technical ability.
320 citations
TL;DR: By comparing the time of the same distance swum with and without an added resistance, under the assumption of an equal power output in both cases, the drag of 73 top swimmers was estimated and the active drag Fr(a.d.) at maximal swimming velocities varied considerably across strokes and individuals.
260 citations
TL;DR: This study focused on the actual contribution of leg kick in the 10% gain in maximal velocity and described the responses of three individuals who could represent three patterns of contribution by legs and arms to propulsion in high speed swimming.
Abstract: Eight male subjects were asked to swim 25 m at maximal velocity while the use of the arm(s) and legs was alternately restricted. Four situations were examined using one arm (1A), two arms (2A), one arm and two legs (1A2L) and both arms and legs (2A2L, normal swim) for propulsion. A significant mean increase of 10% on maximal velocity was obtained in 1A2L and 2A2L compared to 1A and 2A. A non-significant 4% effect was obtained in 1A. This study focused on the actual contribution of leg kick in the 10% gain in maximal velocity. It was clear that the underwater trajectory of the wrist was modified by the action of the legs (most comparisons P < 0.001). Therefore it was thought that the legs enhanced the generated propulsive force by improving the propulsive action of the arm. The arm action was quantified by selecting typical phases from the filmed trajectory of the wrist, namely forward (F), downwards (D) and backwards (B). Although there was a tendency for individual changes in kinematic parameters (F, D and B) to occur with individual changes in velocity when 2A was compared to 2A2L, no relationship was found between the relative changes in F, D and B and relative changes in velocity. This was illustrated by describing the responses of three individuals who could represent three patterns of contribution by legs and arms to propulsion in high speed swimming.
227 citations
TL;DR: Body drag, D, and the overall mechanical efficiency of swimming, e, were measured from the relationship between extra oxygen consumption and extra drag loads in 42 male and 22 female competitive swimmers using the front crawl at speeds ranging from 0.4 to 1.2 m/s.
Abstract: Body drag, D, and the overall mechanical efficiency of swimming, e, were measured from the relationship between extra oxygen consumption and extra drag loads in 42 male and 22 female competitive sw...
200 citations
TL;DR: It was found that Fd is related to the swimming velocity v raised to the power 2.12 +/-0.20 (males) or 2.28 +/- 0.35 (females).
197 citations
Related Topics (5)
Performance Metrics
| Year | Papers |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 17 |
| 2024 | 16 |
| 2023 | 41 |
| 2022 | 63 |
| 2021 | 45 |
| 2020 | 37 |