| Abstract [eng] |
This Master’s thesis analysed the biomechanical characteristics of upper limb movements during support sculling in selected artistic swimming positions. The study used underwater video recordings of one high-level artistic swimmer performing five standardized positions: Fishtail Right, Fishtail Left, Knight Right, Knight Left, and Vertical. A two-dimensional video-based kinematic analysis was performed using Kinovea. Anatomical upper limb landmarks were digitized manually. Then Microsoft Excel was used to calculate hand speed, sculling, cycle duration, elbow angle, movement variability, and right-left asymmetry. The results showed that upper limb movement patterns varied based on body position. The vertical position demonstrated the most symmetrical and balanced sculling pattern, with the smallest speed and cycle asymmetry between limbs. Fishtail positions demonstrated moderate asymmetry, especially in elbow angle configuration. Knight positions showcased lower hand speed, greater speed and cycle asymmetry, and more constrained elbow movement, suggesting higher stabilization demands. In conclusion, the study confirmed that body position influences hand-speed characteristics, rhythm, joint mechanics, and inter-limb coordination during support sculling. The findings support the use of video-based biomechanical analysis as a practical method for analysing upper limb biomechanics in artistic swimming. |
