Comparative Biomechanical Analysis of Recreational Front Crawl Swimming Technique Using the “Total Immersion” Method and Classical Front Crawl

Abstract

Objective of the study – to conduct a comparative biomechanical (kinematic) analysis of recreational front crawl swimming using the Total Immersion method and the classical front crawl by identifying differences in spatiotemporal characteristics and indicators of speed efficiency. Methods and study design. Frame-by-frame kinematic analysis with high-frequency underwater video recording was applied, allowing determination of spatiotemporal movement characteristics, stroke length (SL), stroke rate (SR), and average velocity (v). The study involved an experienced 30-year-old female swimmer who performed a series of ten 25-meter swims in an indoor pool. The obtained data were compared with results from contemporary studies of swimmers. The main parameters analyzed were stroke length (SL), average velocity (SV), stroke rate (SR), and cycle duration (T). Results showed that the Total Immersion method is characterized by a significant increase in stroke length (+21.61%), a decrease in average velocity (–40.39%), a reduction in stroke rate (–53.08%), and an increase in cycle duration by 2.2 times compared to the classical front crawl. Conclusions. These findings indicate that the Total Immersion technique is performed in an economical, energy-saving mode: the increased stroke length compensates for the lower stroke rate, ensuring a more even distribution of movement phases, a stabilized body trajectory, and optimized intracycle velocity fluctuations. The classical front crawl demonstrates higher velocity due to a higher stroke rate and shorter cycles, but with a less economical distribution of force components. The results can be applied to improve recreational swimming technique, enhance efficiency, and optimize the distribution of movement phases in training programs.