Effect of Increasing the Foot Area on the Load-Velocity Relationship of the Underwater Dolphin Kick
(Shuxin Wang, Yixiao Zhao, Xiaotong Chen, Yupeng Shen)

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Authors
Shuxin Wang, Yixiao Zhao, Xiaotong Chen, Yupeng Shen
Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of augmenting the foot area (by wearing fins) on the load-velocity relationship of the underwater dolphin kick (UDK) and to investigate the optimal loading zone of resistance training for the UDK. Seventeen swimmers underwent a semi-tethered swimming test and a 15-m maximum swim velocity test, both with and without fins (FINS and WF, respectively). The study revealed that the UDK’s load-velocity relationship, when using semi-tethered swimming, displayed a robust linear correlation (R2 = 0.88 ± 0.15). The FINS condition enhanced the optimization of the load-velocity relationship, resulting in a substantial rightward shift (R2, AIC, BIC optimized by 15%–65%) and elevating the UDK velocity by 10%–22% across seven load levels. The effective load level rose from 57 N to 69 N (R = 0.70–0.85, p < 0.05); however, the FINS condition altered the original UDK technique, leading to a 7% decrease in the stroke rate (SR) and a 19% increase in stroke length (SL). Consequently, wearing fins modified the load-velocity relationship of the UDK and augmented the power output level. We recommend that athletes use semi-traction swimming to improve UDK performance with a maximum load of no more than 57 N or a velocity of no less than 73% of maximum velocity; wearing fins allows this range to be extended to 69 N and 71% of maximum velocity.
DOI
DOI: 10.5114/jhk/189796
Citation
 APA 
Key words
swimming, fins, load-velocity profile, semi-tethered,

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