Force–Velocity Profiling to Predict Swimming Start Performance

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the vertical force–velocity profile (FVP) and swimming start performance. Twenty-four trained/developmental swimmers were initially recruited but only twenty (10 males and 10 females) were considered eligible to be included for all statistical analyses. Subjects had a mean age of 19.84 ± 1.50 years and body mass of 72.34 ± 7.39 kg and completed a FVP consisting of incrementally loaded squat jumps (SJ) and two maximal-effort swimming starts during the same training week. Swimming start performance was quantified using relative dive distance (DD) and time to 10 m (T10). Pearson correlation coefficients were examined between the FVP metrics and the dependent variables DD and T10. Linear mixed models were then calculated for DD and T10 using theoretical maximal force (F0), theoretical maximal velocity (V0), and anthropometrics as the predictor variables, accounting for individual differences. The linear mixed model identified a significant interaction of both F0 and body mass (BM) with sex. Among males, F0 had a positive relationship with DD and BM had a negative relationship with DD. Among females, F0 had no overall significant relationship with DD and BM had a positive relationship with DD. None of the FVP variables significantly predicted T10. The results indicate that F0 derived from the FVP was positively related to relative dive distance in male swimmers. However, the FVP test remains a poor predictor of overall swimming start performance in male and female trained/developmental swimmers.