Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Aims The aim of the study was to identify which anthropometric, physiological, and respiratory parameters are the most important determinants of 400 m front crawl swimming performance among prepubescent, non-elite female swimmers. Materials and methods The study group consisted of 14 swimmers (mean biological age at baseline: 10.52 ± 0.37 years; body mass: 34.99 ± 2.77 kg; height: 146.00 ± 3.05 cm). The study was conducted over three years. The swimmers followed endurance training recommended by the British Swimming Federation. Every six months, the following parameters were measured: percentage of body fat, anthropometric variables, aerobic and anaerobic capacity, respiratory parameters [vital capacity [VC], forced expiratory volume in 1 s [FEV 1 ], forced vital capacity [FVC]], and a 400 m front crawl swimming test. Results After accounting for multicollinearity, the most influential factors determining 400 m front crawl performance were foot dimensions, VC and % body fat. Other somatic and physiological predictors had a less of an impact on swimming performance. Conclusions The 400 m front crawl performance among prepubescent girls is not determined by aerobic capacity but rather by foot length and respiratory indicators.
Authors: Mariusz J. Kuberski, Agnieszka Musial, Piotr Krużołek, Michalina Błażkiewicz, Jacek Wąsik, Jan Konarski
Language: English
Subfield: Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,353
OpenAlex ID: W4416935956