Anaerobic capacity assessment in elite swimmers through inertial sensors

Abstract

The present in-water free swimming test provided insight into specific physiological/mechanical aspects of elite swimmers. The correlation of the swimming and the Wingate tests with swimmer's performance in competition confirms that they both reflect the skills and anaerobic qualities a swimmer uses in a race. The wearable inertial sensor could represent a feasible solution to evaluate stroke parameters, allowing a timely follow-up of variations in swimming biomechanics along the course of the test and the identification of differences in biomechanical strategy between swimmers. This analysis is of great interest for swimmers and coaches to characterise swimmer's technique weakness and strength, and to plan individual race pacing strategy.