The relationship between performance in the competitive butterfly stroke in male swimmers and selected physiologic and anthropometric factors

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of selected metabolic, pulmonary and anthropometric factors to performance in the 100 yard butterfly swimming event. Physical measurements were taken for 11 varsity swimmers from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and 10 boys aged 13 through 17 who were members of several Blacksburg, Virginia area AAU Youth Group swimming teams.

The performance time for each subject was entered as the dependent variable in a Pearson product correlation coefficient. A step-wise multiple regression computer program was also used. The specific factors of maximal oxygen debt, vital capacity, one-half second timed vital capacity, a special somatotype index, skinfold fat, strength and bitrochanteric were investigated as the independent variables and as possible predictors of performance time. There were no indices measured for the College Group to be of significance at the .05 level of confidence (P ≤ .05). Maximal breathing capacity was the only predictor in the Youth Group at the .05 level of confidence.

The step-wise multiple regression technique in the College Group revealed strength, somatotype index, bitrochanteric and O₂ debt max vital capacity as predictors. The step-wise multiple regression technique was also used with the Youth Group. When four variables were used, then high multiple correlations were found between swimming performance and the prediction equation which utilized the variables of maximal breathing capacity, vital capacity, chest debt and strength.

Since no other variables were found to be of significance in predicting butterfly performance time, it was concluded that covert variables in potential swimmers need further investigation.