Does the Back Plate Position Influence Swimming Start Temporal Characteristics?

Daria Rudnik, Marek Rejman, Leandro Machado, Ricardo J. Fernandes and João Paulo Vilas-Boas
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Daria Rudnik: Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Wrocław University of Health and Sport Sciences, 51-612 Wrocław, Poland
Marek Rejman: Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Wrocław University of Health and Sport Sciences, 51-612 Wrocław, Poland
Leandro Machado: Centre of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport (CIFI2D) and Porto Biomechanics, Laboratory (LABIOMEP-UP), Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal
Ricardo J. Fernandes: Centre of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport (CIFI2D) and Porto Biomechanics, Laboratory (LABIOMEP-UP), Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal
João Paulo Vilas-Boas: Centre of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport (CIFI2D) and Porto Biomechanics, Laboratory (LABIOMEP-UP), Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 5, 1-11

Abstract: The current study examined the back plate position impact on the block phase movement pattern and total starting performance with a distinction for sex. Thirty-eight swimmers performed starts changing the back plate position (preferred position, one position forward and one position backward), with the data being assessed using a 3D dynamometric central and a video camera. In males, the 15 m start time was 0.1 s shorter for the preferred position compared with the backward position ( p < 0.05). Regardless of the back plate positioning, the swimmers spent a similar time on the block. A more forward position of the back plate postponed the rear foot take-off and consequently reduced the front foot stand duration. A back plate position effect was revealed for those variables with a larger effect size in males whereas in females, a change of about two positions was needed to reach a significance level. Probably due to the specification of physical domains, a greater impact on the changes introduced was noted for males. Therefore, whilst searching for the optimal starting position, adjustments to the back plate placement might affect a greater number of males than females. To reinforce the starting optimization during the training process and its monitoring, the effect of personal preference toward the starting block setting was also considered.

Keywords: biomechanics; swimming; kick-start; back plate; starting platform; preference effect; sex (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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