The Effect of Backstroke Swimming Using “Paddles” and “Swim Chute” in Stroke Parameters and in the Concentration of Lactic Acid

Abstract

In swimmers’ training several additional means may de used, such as the “paddles”, the “swim chute” and the “basin”, intending to improve and increase their rendering. The purpose of the present study is the biochemical and kinematic evaluation of three different kinds of backstroke swimming in a distance of 200 m using a medium (M) 56 bit/min and a rapid (R) stroke frequency 63 bit/min. Those different sorts of swimming chosen are the following three: 1) swimming with “paddles”, 2) swimming with a “swim chute” and 3) regular swimming. The sample of this study was formed by 10 national-leveled swimmers aged between 15 and 17 years. These athletes consider backstroke to be their main or secondary swimming style. Samples of capillary blood were taken during the 3rd, 5th, 7th and 9th minute after the finish of each trial so that the maximal point of lactate acid (LA) could be defined. The analysis of the results showed significantly higher levels of LA in the R stroke frequency trials (7.7 ± 2.4 mmoL in swimming with paddles, 7.4 ± 3.3 mmoL in swimming with swim chute and 7.2 ± 2.7 mmoL L.A. in regular swimming) than those in the M stroke frequency trials (4.8 ± 1.3 mmoL, 4.3 ± 2 mmoL και 5.0 ± 1.7 mmoL for each trial). On the contrary, the levels of LA do not differ significantly enough between the three kinds of backstroke swimming during the same stroke frequency. In addition, the total concentration levels of LA in the swimmers’ blood were not particularly high, as a result of the predefined stroke frequency that kept the volume (tense) at submaximal levels. Moreover, swimming with a swim chute provided power average velocity in both frequencies as a result of the increased total resistance compared to swimming with “paddles” and to regular swimming. Coming to a conclusion, the swimming style affects the average velocity and stroke length, while stroke frequency affects significantly the concentration levels of LA in blood.