Key Parameters Affecting Kick Start Performance in Competitive Swimming

The study aims to determine the contribution of kinematic parameters to time to 5 m without underwater undulating and kicking. Eighteen male competitive swimmers started from three weighted positions and set the kick plate to positions 1–5. We used SwimPro cameras and the Dartfish© software. In the on-block phase, we found significant correlations (p < 0.01) between the front ankle angle and block time. The correlations between start phases were statistically significant (p < 0.01) between block time and rear ankle angle, respectively, to time to 2 m; rear knee angle and glide time; block time and time to 5 m; time to 2 m and time to 5 m; and flight distance and glide distance. The multiple regression analysis showed that the on-block phase and flight phase parameters, respectively, contributed 64% and 65% to the time to 5 m. The key block phase parameters included block time and rear knee angle. The key flight phase parameters determining time to 5 m included take-off angle and time to 2 m. The key parameters determining the performance to 5 m during the above-water phase include rear knee angle, block time, takeoff angle, and time to 2 m

Leg Dominance and OSB12 Kick Start Performance in Young Competitive Swimmers

The purpose of this study was to examine differences in starting and kick-plate positions, pointing to an effect on kick-start performance with the dominant and non-dominant feet placed on the front edge of the OSB12 starting block. The sample included 20 female competitive swimmers whose average age was 16.1 ± 0.6 years. To assess swimmers’ lower body explosive strength and determine leg dominance, a triple hop distance test was administered. We determined the swimmers’ preferred starting position on a starting block in terms of the kick-plate setting and body position on the starting block. The results of our study demonstrate the importance of leg dominance and positioning on the OSB12 starting block. After the preferred starting position was determined, the optimal position for the kick start was selected. When the dominant leg was placed on the front edge of the starting block (p < 0.05; Cohen’s d—large effect), swimmers produced shorter block times and times to 2 and 5 m. For most of the tested swimmers, the optimal basic position on the starting block included neutral- and rear-weighted positions with the kick plate set to positions 3–4 and the right leg placed on the front edge of the OSB12 starting block

Foot Placement in the Basic Position on the Start Block OSB12 of Young Competitive Swimmers

Background: The basic position on the starting block can influence the performance at the start, as it is the initial phase on which the other phases depend, as well as the swimming performance in sprint events in all swimming styles. The aim of our study is to analyze the effect of the foot in the base position on the block start on performance in the 5 m distance start. Material and Methods: Fifteen performance swimmers aged 17 ± 2 years were tested in their preferred wide and narrow starting positions, performing a total of six starts during which angular, temporal, and length changes were monitored in block, flight, and underwater phases. Fisher individual tests for differences of means were used to determine differences in kinematic parameters of the kick start to the 5 m distance. Differences in the position of the feet in kinematic parameters of the kick start to the 5 m distance were determined using the two-sample t-test with equal variance and effect size by Cohen’s d. Results: Swimmers were found to have significant differences (p < 0.05) between foot widths in block time (0.02 s), time to 2 m (0.05 s), flight and glide time and distance, maximal depth, and time to 5 m (0.08) in favor of the narrow baseline position. Conclusions: We recommend marking the center of the start block on the OSB or OSB platform for the competitors, as well as the center of the backrest, for better orientation and assuming the correct basic foot position on the start block

Acute Effects of Whole-Body Vibration on Resting Metabolic Rate and Substrate Utilisation in Healthy Women

The aim of the study was to determine the acute effects of single-whole-body vibration (WBV) on resting metabolic rate (RMR) and carbohydrate–lipid profile of blood in young, healthy women. The participants, in a randomised controlled crossover study, participated in two trials: WBV and a vibration simulation (placebo). The WBV was performed in the prone position and cycloidal-oscillatory vibration was used. The RMR measurement (calorimetry) was performed: before the WBV, during WBV, immediately after the completion of WBV, and 1 h after the completion of WBV. For biochemical analyses, venous blood was collected. During WBV, there was a significant increase in RMR compared to baseline. Immediately after and 1 h following the end of the WBV, RMR was close to baseline levels (p > 0.05). The increased energy expenditure resulted from the increased utilisation of carbohydrates and proteins during the vibration. In the placebo condition, there were no significant changes over time in the level of the studied indices during calorimetry. The WBV had no significant effects on the level of glucose in the blood. The applied vibration did not significantly affect the concentration of the analysed lipid indices, which were within the physiological norms for all measurements. Results indicate the need for further research to establish the physiological mechanisms underlying the observed effects of WBV on resting metabolic rate

The Levels of Markers of Muscle Damage, Inflammation, and Heat Shock Proteins in Judokas and the Extent of Their Changes during a Special Performance Test at Different Ambient Temperatures

Background: Athletes in combat sports, such as judo, often experience muscle cell damage due to physical and metabolic stress. This study investigates the impact of anaerobic interval exercises involving both upper and lower limbs at different temperatures on physiological indicators. Methods: Fifteen judokas, with an average age of 20.7 ± 2.0 years, participated in the study. They had an average body height of 178 ± 6.3 cm, body mass of 76.3 ± 12.6 kg, VO2max of 43.2 ± 7.8 mL·kg−1, and peak power of 12.1 W·kg−1. The main experiment involved performing five sequences of pulsating exercise on a cycle ergometer for both upper and lower limbs. This was conducted in a thermoclimatic chamber set at temperatures of 21 ± 0.5 °C and 31 ± 0.5 °C with a relative humidity of 50 ± 5%. The sequences alternated pulsations of varying durations and loads between the upper and lower limbs, with a 15 min break following each sequence. Within each sequence, participants underwent four anaerobic limb tests. Biochemical markers, including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method before and after exercise, and again at 1, 24, and 48 h post-exercise. Muscle cell damage was evaluated based on lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and myoglobin (Mb) concentration. Results: Both temperature conditions elicited physiological and biochemical responses. Positive correlations were observed between white blood cell count (WBC) and LDH concentration at 21 °C, as well as between WBC and IL-6 at 21 °C. At 31 °C, correlations were seen between WBC and myoglobin, and WBC and LDH. Conclusions: Muscle cell damage was evident under both conditions, as indicated by increased myoglobin levels. These findings offer insights into training strategies and underscore the physiological responses observed in combat sports athletes