Association between the Upper Quarter Dynamic Balance, Anthropometrics, Kinematics, and Swimming Speed

Abstract

Besides recurrently assessed water-based parameters, there are also some individual characteristics that affect swimming performance that are not water related. In the past few years, dynamic balance has been associated with land sports performance. Conversely, evidence on this topic in swimming is scarce. The purpose of this study was to assess the association between on-land dynamic balance and swimming performance. Sixteen young adults and recreational swimmers were recruited for the present study (8 males 20.8 ± 2.0 years, and 8 females 20.1 ± 1.9 years). A set of anthropometric features were measured. The upper quarter Y-balance test was selected as a dynamic balance outcome, and swimming speed as the swimming performance indicator. The results showed a moderate and positive correlation between dynamic balance and swimming performance (p < 0.05). Speed fluctuation was highly and negatively related to swimming speed (p < 0.001), i.e., swimmers who had higher scores in the dynamic balance were more likely to deliver better performances. This suggests that in recreational swimmers, the stability and mobility of the upper extremity had a greater influence on swimming performance. Therefore, swimming instructors are advised to include dynamic balance exercises in their land-based training sessions to improve their swimmers’ performance.