Cycle-to-cycle kinematic variability management in short course 100 m breaststroke

While swimming race management examines distinct components (start, clean swimming, turn, and finish), clean swimming analyses typically rely on lap averages, overlooking cycle-to-cycle variability. The aim of this study was to investigate cycle-to-cycle variability within and between laps of stroking (speed, S; stroke rate, SR; stroke length, SL) and of coordinative parameters (duration of simultaneous arm-leg propulsion, T1; start of arm and leg recoveries, T2; end of arm and leg recoveries, T3) to identify profiles of race management in breaststroke. Twenty-three high-level male breaststrokers performed a 100m time trial in a 25m pool. Based on the CV of S, SR and SL and the SD of T1, T2 and T3, hierarchical cluster analysis identified two race management profiles: a variable profile (1), with greater within-lap variability in SR, SL, and T1, and a stable profile (2), with lower variability in SR, SL, and T1. Ten different cluster combination patterns were identified, wherein maintaining stable race management within and between laps was the most prevalent (in 10 swimmers). This pattern also tended to be associated with higher World Aquatics (WA) points. These findings highlight that stability in stroking and coordinative parameters within and between laps are key predictors of breaststroke performance.