Comparison of Propulsive Force in Front Crawl Swimming Obtained With Two Different Methods

Propulsive forces during front crawl swimming using arms only were calculated on two different ways: based upon a kinematic analysis using 3D video analysis (Fp-3D) and based upon measurements of propulsive force on the MAD system (Fp-MAD). The two methods produced comparable values of propulsive force, although the values for Fp- MAD were lower in almost all cases. The mean difference between Fp-MAD and Fp-3D is 8 N, which is approximately 15%.