Forwards-backwards hand velocity induced by the upper trunk rotation in front crawl strokes and its association with the stroke frequency

The aim of this study was to determine the contribution of the upper trunk rotation consisting of roll-pitch-yaw to hand velocity in the forwards-backwards direction during front crawl strokes and to investigate the association of forwards-backwards hand velocity induced by the upper trunk rotation with stroke frequencies. Fifteen skilled swimmers with retro-reflective markers performed front crawl strokes in a swimming pool where a motion capture system was set. Forwards-backwards hand velocity solely induced by the upper trunk rotation was determined during the performance. In the pull and push phases, 28% and 19% of the backward hand velocity was induced by the upper trunk rotation, respectively, while 19% of the forward hand velocity resulted from the upper trunk rotation in the recovery phase. The upper trunk rotation contributed to the forwards-backwards velocity as much as the elbow joint and was the second primary source of backward hand velocity in the pull phase. The forwards-backwards hand velocity created by the upper trunk rotation was associated with the stroke frequencies (r = 0.56, p < 0.05). The forwards-backwards hand velocity induced by the upper trunk would influence hand propulsion and stroke frequency so that a swimmer and coach should consider this performance-enhancing variable.