•  
  •  
 

Document Type

Abstract

Publication Date

12-1-2024

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this systematic review was to critically appraise the current literature on (1) the influence of bilateral asymmetries on swimming performance and (2) the asymmetry characteristics that may affect swimming performance in the past 10 years, to provide a reference for future related research.

Method: An electronic search using PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO series databases was performed for English articles, and CNKI and Wanfang database was performed for Chinese articles from 2013 to 2024. The methodological quality of the studies was evaluated using a modified version of currently established scales used in sport science, healthcare and rehabilitation.

Results: Eight studies met the eligibility criteria. Seven of which focused on kinetic asymmetry and one focused on kinematic asymmetry. Six examined the correlation between Symmetry Index (SI) and performance, and two compared asymmetries in elite and non-elite groups. In terms of kinetic asymmetry, there were inter-limb asymmetries in the propulsive force in male swimmers, and symmetry was found not to be related with freestyle performance, regardless of different experiment protocols. It was controversial whether SI of propulsion force in elite group differences from non-elite group. In terms of kinematic asymmetry, there was no statistical difference in the SI of kinematic index between elite and non-elite groups. It was worth noting that take-off velocity was strongly related to asymmetry of handgrip force in the backstroke start.

Conclusion: There may not be a correlation between kinetic asymmetry and performance. Research on kinematic asymmetry was comparatively rare within the literature. However, these studies did not directly explore the relationship between asymmetrical features and swimming speed. The specific effects of limb asymmetry on swimming speed were not fully understood. Future studies need to focus on the relationship between the symmetry of kinematic parameters and swimming speed.

Download

Share

COinS