Predictors of Performance in Pre-Pubertal and Pubertal Male and Female Swimmers.

The predictors of the 50 m front-crawl performance were examined in 72 pre-pubertal and pubertal swimmers. They underwent a battery of anthropometric, body composition and muscle strength measurements. A Principal Component Analysis showed that the Component-1 [Anthropometric- Tethered Swimming Force (TSF)] explained 65.1% of the total variance, Component-2 [Body Composition] 14.6% and Component- 3 [Body Dimension] 8.2% respectively. Also, Component 1 was significantly correlated with performance (r=-0.71, p<0.001). When multiple regression models were applied to the pre-pubertal swimmers 90.9% of the variation was explained by the average TSF and arm circumference. Selected anthropometric characteristics and specific strength are important determinants of sprint performance and may have practical implication for both training and talent identification in swimming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]