Relationship Between Hand-to-Foot Contact time and Performance Variables in Breaststroke and Butterfly Swimming Turns
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24310/riccafd.14.2.2025.21181Keywords:
kinematics, technique, swimmersAbstract
This study aimed to analyze whether the time difference between hand and foot contact in the breaststroke and butterfly swimming strokes has a relationship with other turn performance variables and whether this time is different between strokes. Fifteen competitive swimmers (12 males, 3 females; mean ± SD: 19.68 ± 1.68 years, 72.23 ± 5.88 kg, and 1.76 ± 0.07 m) participated in this cross-sectional, correlational study. Each swimmer completed four turns—two in breaststroke and two in butterfly—in a randomized order. Variables assessed included total turn time, underwater time, underwater distance, approach velocity, push-off velocity, and hand-to-foot contact time. Data were collected via video analysis and an electronic timing plate. Correlations between variables were analyzed using Pearson’s coefficient, and stroke differences were assessed via paired t-tests. No significant correlations were found between hand-to-foot contact time and other variables for either stroke style. Total turn time showed a strong negative correlation with approach velocity (r = -0.833, p < 0.05) and push-off velocity (r = -0.478, p < 0.05). No differences were found in hand-to-foot contact time between strokes. Butterfly turns had significantly (p < 0.05) lower total turn time, underwater time, and underwater distance, and higher approach velocity compared to breaststroke. Hand-to-foot contact time was not significantly related to other variables measured in the breaststroke and butterfly turns. No differences were also found in hand-to-foot time between strokes. Several key metrics between breaststroke and butterfly turns underscore the importance of stroke-specific strategies for optimizing performance.
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