Influence of Physical and Anthropometric Properties on Sprint Swimming Performance

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of physical and anthropometric properties on sprint swimming performance. Methods: Fifteen healthy and moderately active male swimmers [(mean +/- SD) age: 21.06 +/- 2.52 years; stature: 176.73 +/- 0.72cm; body mass: 75.35 +/- 13.71 kg; body fat %: 12.57 +/- 7.04; training age; 7.4 +/- 2.29 years; training session/week: 4.0 +/- 1.06] were participated as volunteer in this study. To determine the physical performance of the athletes; anaerobic power (countermovement jump), auditory reaction time, sit and reach test, and back extension strength was applied. To evaluate anthropometric measurements; stature, body mass, midstyliondactylion, handbreadths, arm length, arm span, biacromial breadths, sitting stature, foot length, foot breadths, leg length, and shank length measurements were conducted. 50m and 100m freestyle swimming tests were applied to determine swimming performance. Results: Statistically significant correlations were found between 50m freestyle swimming performance and stature (r=-0.606; p=0.01), arm length (r=-0.606; p=0.01), arm span (r=-0.562; p=0.02), leg length (r=-0.619; p=0.01) and shank length (r=-0.631; p=0.01). Likewise, there was a statistically significant correlation between 100m front crawl swimming performance and arm length (r=-0.521; p=0.04). Conclusions: Anthropometric variables are important for 50 and 100 m freestyle swimming performance. Especially stature, arm length, arm span, leg length, and shank length. The respondents should consider anthropometric characteristics that are important for swimming performance.