Comparison of lower extremity kinematics during free-swimming underwater kicking techniques

Abstract

Despite the use of underwater dolphin kicking following freestyle turns by many swimmers, debate exists regarding the effectiveness of this technique. Moreover, a modest amount of scientific research has been conducted to confirm whether this wall exit strategy is superior to the more traditional flutter kick. Hence, the purpose of this investigation was to quantify performance differences in free-swimming underwater kicking styles and to identify technique and anthropometric characteristics that are predictive of efficient underwater kicking