Racing Start Safety: Head Depth and Head Speed During Competitive Backstroke Starts

Authors

Andrew C. Cornett, Eastern Michigan UniversityFollow
Josh C. White, University of Michigan
Brian V. Wright, Austin College
Alexander P. Wilmott, University of Lincoln
Joel M. Stager, Indiana University

DOI

https://doi.org/10.25035/ijare.05.04.06

Abstract

Research on competitive swim start safety has focused on starts involving a dive from above the water surface. The purpose of this study was to determine the depths, speeds, and distances attained when executing backstroke starts, which begin in the water, and to investigate whether or not these variables are a function of age. Backstroke starts (n = 122) performed in 1.22 m of water during competition were stratified according to age group (8&U, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, and 15&O). Dependent measures were maximum depth of the center of the head (MHD), head speed at maximum head depth (SPD), and distance from the wall at maximum head depth (DIST). Main effects were shown for age group for MHD (F = 8.86, p < 0.05), SPD (F = 4.64, p < 0.05), and DIST (F = 17.21, p < 0.05). Because they performed starts that were deeper and faster than the younger swimmers, the older swimmers seem to be at a greater risk for injury when performing backstroke starts in shallow water.

Recommended Citation

Cornett, Andrew C.; White, Josh C.; Wright, Brian V.; Wilmott, Alexander P.; and Stager, Joel M. (2011) "Racing Start Safety: Head Depth and Head Speed During Competitive Backstroke Starts," International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education: Vol. 5: No. 4, Article 6.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.25035/ijare.05.04.06
Available at: https://scholarworks.bgsu.edu/ijare/vol5/iss4/6