Race analysis performed by faster and slower swimmers enables the definition of effective strategies for carrying out the competition. Until now, measurements of this type were mainly conducted among top-level athletes. The aim of the study was to determine the differences in swimming technique in sprint races between faster (FS) and slower (SS) regional-level swimmers. The performance of 33 swimmers (mean FINA points = 449) competing in 50 m and 100 m freestyle races was analysed. To determine the velocity (v), stroke rate (SR), stroke length (SL), and stroke index (SI), races were recorded with the use of cameras. Using the Student’s t-test and Mann–Whitney U test, the results were compared for two groups: FS (mean FINA points = 557) and SS (mean FINA points = 379). In the 100 m competition, differences between groups were noticed in v (1.70 and 1.51 m/s), SL (2.06 and 1.85 m), and SI (3.52 and 2.80 m²/s), while in the 50 m competition, they were noticed in v (1.95 and 1.73 m/s), SR (59.46 and 55.01 cycle/min), and SI (3.44 and 3.04 m²/s, respectively for the FS and SS groups). Adapting the technique to a shorter distance should be performed by increasing the frequency of movements. At the same time, the decrease in SL should be controlled. The indicator enabling the assessment of technical effectiveness, regardless of the distance, is the SI. The 50 and 100 m freestyle races require specific technical skills to be mastered. Therefore, the development of technique in swimmers should include its various variants.

The construction of specialized physiological tests for swimmers is often based on those previously used in versions on land. So far, no attempt has been made to adapt the RAST test to conditions of an aquatic environment. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between the results from the 6 × 25 m front crawl test (Swimming Anaerobic Sprint Test—SAST) and 100- and 200-m freestyle performance. In a group of 22 swimmers (9 girls, 13 boys, mean age 17.2 years, body mass 67.6 kg, body height 1.76 m), the SAST was performed (10-s interval between repetition). To determine speed (v), stroke rate (SR), stroke length (SL), and stroke index (SI), the test and races were recorded with the use of cameras. The analysis included times from the competition and fatigue indices (the decrease in SI during the SAST). Analysis of variance was performed, and a correlation matrix was created considering variables from the SAST and competition. The indices describing the 200-m event differed from those recorded for the SAST and 100 m freestyle race. The SAST results (v, SL, SI) were strongly correlated with the 100- and 200-m performances. Fatigue indices have not been shown to correlate with competition performance. The SAST may be useful in the context of predicting results for the 100- and, to a limited extent, 200-m freestyle races.

Purpose. The aim of the study was to distinguish the kinematic indicators influencing the average horizontal velocity of swimming (v_COM) with underwater dolphin kicks (UDK). Methods. The study involved 15 boys and 20 girls (mean age, 11.5 ± 1.00 years; height, 1.57 ± 0.09 m; training experience, 2.5 ± 1.00 years) practicing swimming 7 times a week. We determined the body height (H), the length of the body with the arms lifted (L_b), and the best result in the 50-m freestyle (pbt); characteristic anthropological points were marked on the body. The subjects performed UDK after a water-start for a distance of ca. 8 m (without a push-off from the wall). Movements were recorded with an underwater camera. The recordings were kinematically analysed with the SkillSpector program. On this basis, we calculated v_COM, frequency of movement (f), amplitude of movement (A), horizontal displacement in one cycle (Dpk), maximum flexion in the knee joints (KF_max), the product of f and A (I_Af), the Strouhal number (St), and relative amplitude of toe movement (A_REL). Results. The movements of the subjects were characterized as follows: v_COM = 1.08 ± 0.13 m/s, f = 2.00 ± 0.39 Hz, A = 0.46 ± 0.08 m, Dpk = 0.58 ± 0.10 m, I_Af = 0.90 ± 0.11, KF_max = 71.37 ± 9.15°, St = 0.83 ± 0.08, A_REL = 0.22 ± 0.04. A statistically significant correlation was found between v_COM and: H (r = 0.35), pbt (r = -0.52), f (r = 0.47), I_Af (r = 0.72), KF_max (r = -0.53), and St (r = -0.36). Conclusions. UDK of young swimmers is characterized by low-speed swimming. This is effected by low swimming efficiency (low values of IAf and St, high value of KFmax). The proper amplitude and frequency of movements should be a priority in improving UDK. The UDK technique should be particularly enhanced among short competitors.

Sports activities can constitute a factor in improving postural control. The aim of this study is to compare static balance in the tandem stance between female artistic gymnasts and non-training girls. This was performed with and without visual control, as well as in a position with open eyes, on a 1.25 m high platform. Two groups of thirty girls participated in the study. The first group consisted of gymnasts (mean age 9.50 ± 1.20 years, body height 133.50 ± 11.40 cm, and body mass 28.90 ± 6.90 kg), while the second group comprised non-training girls (mean age 9.80 ± 1.20 years, body height 142.60 ± 10.90 cm, and body mass 37.40 ± 9.70 kg). Balance measurements were taken using the CQ Stab 2P two-plate stability platform. In the measurements conducted with the subjects’ eyes closed, the gymnasts obtained a lower value for displacement regarding the maximal centre of pressure (COP) in the anterior–posterior direction and a higher frequency of COP displacement (p < 0.05). In the trial performed on a platform, a greater COP displacement frequency was found among the non-training girls (p < 0.001). Differences in the values of the variables characterising the static balance of gymnasts and non-training girls were revealed only in conditions of increasing difficulty concerning the motor task (increasing the height of the position and/or without eye control).

The study investigated how hand movement patterns affect overall kinematic indicators of front-crawl sprint technique in boys aged 12–14, while considering the influence of the morpho-functional profile. The sample consisted of 47 participants. Data were collected from anthropometric measurements (8 variables), a 20-s arm-cranking test (6 variables), and a 25-m front crawl trial. Swimming motion was characterized using IMU sensors (BlueTrident) and Artificial Intelligence (8 variables). Video analysis was used to determine swimming velocity (v), stroke rate (SR), stroke length (SL), and stroke index (SI). PCA analysis identified five components: Large Body Size (LBS), Low Fat (LF), Enormous Power (EP), Dynamism (D), and High Angular Velocity (HAV). Pearson correlation analysis revealed strong associations between LBS and EP (r = 0.85), as well as between D and EP (r = 0.51) and D and LBS (r = 0.34). Velocity was related to LBS, EP, D, and LF (r = 0.38–0.56). SR showed strong associations with D (r = 0.76) and EP (r = 0.35), whereas SL was negatively associated with D (r = − 0.44). SI was related to LBS, LF, and EP (r = 0.38–0.49). Overall kinematic indicators are influenced by hand acceleration and angular velocity, and IMU-based technique assessment supports evaluation of how effectively young swimmers utilize their anthropometric–energetic potential.

Purpose: Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, inflammatory, autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that results in motor disability. Whole-body cryotherapy is a particularly beneficial treatment in many cases. Unfortunately, there are no reports regarding the effects of isolated whole-body cryotherapy on gait improvement in patients with multiple sclerosis. Study aim: The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of a series of 10 and 20 whole-body therapy treatments on kinematic gait indices in individuals with multiple sclerosis. Methods: Fifty-one patients with a multiple sclerosis diagnosis, age 23-65 years, completed the study. Patients were randomly assigned to a control group – no intervention, or an experimental group undergoing 20 whole-body cryotherapy procedures. The Timed 25-Foot Walk gait test (7.5 m), combined with real-time measurements of selected gait parameters, was used to assess locomotor performance. External gait images were recorded using two Casio recording devices. Results: After 10 and 20 whole-body cryotherapy sessions, an increase was noted for preferred walking speed in the experimental group, however, these changes were not statistically significant. Simultaneously, a shorter gait cycle was observed on the side with greater spasticity after 20 whole-body cryotherapy sessions, as well as a shorter relative foot contact time on the same side, and increased relative foot swing duration in the experimental group. A negative correlation was found between gait velocity, step length and Expanded Disability Status Scale. Conclusions: A series of 10 and 20 daily whole-body cryotherapy sessions slightly improved selected kinematic gait parameters in multiple sclerosis patients.