The Relationship of Certain Biomechanical Indicators to Split Times and Performance Level of 200m Breaststroke Swimmers

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the relationship between specific biomechanical indicators, split times, and the overall performance level of 200m breaststroke swimmers. The researcher employed a descriptive correlational approach, as it best suits the nature of the research problem. The study sample consisted of (8) elite swimmers. Underwater and surface video filming, along with kinematic analysis, were utilized to extract the biomechanical indicators under study (e.g., stroke length, stroke rate, stroke index, and glide time).The results revealed a statistically significant correlation between stroke length and swimming speed across various splits. Furthermore, it was found that swimmers who maintained a stable Stroke Index achieved the best overall performance levels. The study concluded that split times (specifically the second and third 50m laps) are the most affected by changes in kinematic indicators due to physiological fatigue, directly impacting the total race time. The study recommended focusing on "technical performance endurance" training to maintain stroke length and efficiency during the final meters of the race.