A current methodological problem for Italian swimming teachers
is the suitability of the instructional flotation devices as a
useful tool for the learning process of swimming. In literature,
there are several studies reporting contrasting results in the
use of these aids. The present study analyses the results of the
front crawl stroke learning process in Italian children aged 8-9
years after a 10 lessons program developed by the use or nonuse
of instructional flotation devices. Both a qualitative (by
MERS-F scale) and a quantitative (armstroke cycles, breathings,
stroke rate, stroke length, efficiency index) analyses were
performed. No significant differences between the two methods
were found