Objective: To compare the effect of asymmetric and symmetric swimming strokes on muscle activity of the trunk flexor and extensor muscles. Methods: Fourteen elite speed swimmers, specialists in one of four swimming styles, all without any history of spinal cord injury, were divided in two groups: 1) asymmetric group, consisting of five athletes specializing in the freestyle stroke and three in the backstroke; and 2) symmetric group, consisting of four athletes specializing in the butterfly stroke and three in the breaststroke. All the swimmers were assessed using a Cybex 6000 isokinetic dynamometer. Results: The acceleration time for the trunk flexor group at a speed of 120° per second was greater in the symmetric group (p=0.054). The power of the extensor group at speeds of 90° and 120° per second was greater in the asymmetric than in symmetric group (p=0.053 and 0.052), respectively. There was no significant statistical difference for any of the other variables assessed. Conclusion: The asymmetric strokes (crawl and backstroke) provided a more efficient muscular response (recruitment) in the trunk flexor muscles, which may be due to the constant maintenance of isometric contraction of the abdominal muscles.
CITATION STYLE
Secchi, L. L. B., Muratt, M. D., Andrade, N. V. S., & Greve, J. M. D. A. (2010). Isokinetic trunk dynamometry in diferent swimming strokes. Acta Ortopedica Brasileira, 18(5), 295–297. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1413-78522010000500010
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