Biomechanics of Swimming: Stroke Rate, Stroke Length and Velocity in Freestyle Swimming

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationships between velocity (V), stroke length (SL), and stroke rate (SR) in freestyle competitive male swimmers. The secondary purpose of the study was relationship between biomechanical factors and anthropometric characteristics in different freestyle events. Stroke rate was measured across the length of the pool and expressed in cycles per minute (cycles/Min). Stroke length was calculated, dividing the 50 meters velocity by the stroke frequency (distance/cycles). The V of swimming is governed by SL and SR. difference between height and arm span may explain the difference in stroke length. SR and SL was thus the main contributor to the higher velocity of the swimmer. Since the magnitude of SL is related to the propulsive forces that a swimmer exerts while stroking.