doi no.: 05-2016-44975451, DOI Link :: http://doi-ds.org/doilink/12.2019-64619451/

Uzomba G.C¹., Oladipo G.S¹ and Anugweje K.C²

Affiliations

1 Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Port Harcourt¹University of Port Harcourt

2 Sports Institute, Rivers State, Nigeria

Corresponding Author: Uzomba Godwin Chinedu, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, Email Address: uzombagodwinchinedu@yahoo.com., Phone Number: +2348061150454

ABSTRACT

To achieve optimal performance in swimming certain anthropometric attributes are essential. The aim of this study was to examine the anthropometric characteristics of in-race velocity performance of elite Nigerian female swimmers. Measurements of anthropometric parameters of 56 female elite Nigerian swimmers were sourced through direct anthropometric standard protocol. Thereafter statistical analyses using Pearson correlation and multiple regressions were conducted with the aid of SPSS version 23.0. The result showed that anthropometry explained 30% (p<0.05) of the variance in the velocity of 50 metre butterflyswimming competition among the swimmers. Correlation studies showed that weight, BMI, % body fat, arm girth, chest girth and thigh correlated significantly, albeit weakly, whereas age, weight, arm span and hip girth correlated negatively with swimmers velocity. In conclusion, optimal performance of Nigerian swimmers’ in the 50metre butterfly swimming is determined predominantly by anthropometric variables relevant in swimming.

Keywords: Anthropometry, performance, butterfly swimming, Nigeria swimmers.

DOWNLOAD FULL TEXT:  

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Anderson, M.E., Hopkins, W.G., Roberts, A.D., &Pyne D.B. (2006) Monitoring seasonal and longterm changes in test performance in elite swimmers. European Journal of Sport Sciences, 6(3):145-154.

Barbosa, T.M., Morais, J.E., Marques, M.C., Costa, M.J., & Marinho, D.A . (2015) The power     output and sprinting performance of young swimmers. Journal of strength and       conditioning research, 29(2): 440-450

Cochrane, K.C., Housh, T.J., Smith, C.M., Jenkins, N.D., Johnson, G.O., Housh, D.J., Smith, R.J., &Cramer J.Y. (2015) Relative contributions of strength, anthropometric and body          composition characteristics to estimated propulsive force in young male swimmers. Journal of strength and conditioning research, 29(6): 1473-1479.

Charles, J.D., & Bejan, A (2008). The evolution of speed, size and shape in modern athletics.       Journal of Experimental Biology, 212(15): 2419-2425

Craigh, A.B.M Jr., Skehan, P.L., Pawelczk, J.A., & Boomer, W.L (1985). Velocity, stroke rate and distance per stroke during elite swimming competition. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 17, 625-634

Chandra, P.J., Praven S.P., &Sundarprakash S. (2017). An Investigation on the Anthropometric Profile and Its Relationship with Physical Performance of Adolescent Indian Swimmers- A comparative study. Journal of Dental and Medicine Science, 16(3):118-126

Daisy, B., Laura G., Samuel W.O., Alan M.N.,&Michael J.D. (2015). The Association between Anthropometric Variables, Functional Movement Screen Scores and 100 m Freestyle Swimming Performance in Youth Swimmers, Sports, 3(2): 1-11

Damir S., Natasa Z.,&Nada G. Z. (2007). Non Linear Anthropometric Predictors in Swimming. College Anthropology, 31(3): 803-809.

Miyashita, M (1996). Key factors in success of altitude training for swimming. Res. Q. Exerc. Sport. 3:76-78, 1996.

East, D.J (1970). An analysis of stroke frequency, stroke length and performance. New Zealand   Journal of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, 3, 16-27.

Geladas, N.D., Nassis, G.P., & Pavlicevic, S. (2005). Somatic and physical traits affecting sprint training in swimming. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 26(2), 139-144

Girold, S., Calmels, P., Maurin, D., Milhau, N., & Chartard, J.C (2006). Assisted and resisted     sprint training in swimming. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 20,547-554

Kukolji, M., Ropret, R., Ugarkovic, D., & Jaric, S (1999). Anthropometric, strength and power predictors of sprinting performance. Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness,       39(2): 120-122

Grimston, S.K & Hay, J.G (1986). Relationships among anthropometric and stroking         characteristics of college swimmers. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 18(1):60-68

Hlavaty, R (2010). The anthropometric and kinematic Determinants of swimming performance.    Department of physical education and sports, Institute of Engineering pedagogy and    Humanities, Faculty of Materials science and Technology, Slovak university of Technology, Paulinska 16,24 Trnava 917.

Jorge, E. M., Sérgio J., Vasco L., Nuno, G., António, S., Daniel, M.&Tiago, M. B. (2012). Linking Selected Kinematic, Anthropometric and Hydrodynamic Variables to Young SwimmerPerformance. Pediatric Exercise Science, 24(1): 649-664

Katch V.L., &Michael E.D. (1973). The relationship between segmental leg measurements, leg strength and relative endurance performance of college females. HumanBiology, 45, 371-383

Michelle,G. S., Alan M. B., Costas T., Zoe H. R.,& Karen, H. (2017). Prediction of whole-body   fat percentage and visceral adipose tissue mass from five anthropometric variables.PLOS  ONE, 12(5): 234-239

Patrick, P., Michel, S., Tarik K., Didier, C.,&Claire T. (1996). Stroking Characteristics in            Freestyle Swimming and Relationships with Anthropometric Characteristics.Journal ofApplied Biomechanics.12,197-206.

Smith, L. (1978). Anthropometric measurements, and arm and leg speed performance of male and female swimmers as predictors of swim speed. Journal of Sports Medicine and PhysicalFitness, 18, 153-168.

Slađana, T. (2011). The influence of flexibility on swimming results.Physical Education and    Sport,9(2):193 – 202

Silva A.J., Costa, A.M., Oliveira, P.M., Reis, V.M., Saavedra, J., Perl, J., Rouboa, A., &       Marinho, D.A (2007). The use of neural network technology to model swimming       performance.   Journal of Sports Science and Medicine,6, 117-125

Tolga, A. M., Zekđ O., Fađk V., Ekđm P., Ramazan A & Rana, V. (2017). Contribution of anthropometric characteristics to critical swimming velocity and estimated propulsive force.Journal of physical Education and Sport, 17(1): 212 – 218

Zuniga, J., Housh T.J., Mielke, M., Hendrix C.R., Camic C.L., Johnson G.O., Housh, D.J., Schmidt, R.J (2011). Gender comparisons of anthropometric characteristics of young sprint swimmers. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 25, 103-108.