Gender-related differences in kinematic parameters of the start and performance in a 50m breaststroke swimming

Introduction: In swimming, the competitions are divided by age categories, with each swimming event beginning at the start. For optimal improvements in swimming performance in the sprint events, the performance at the start and during swimming in each age category should be analyzed. Aim: The aim of our study is to show the differences in kinematic parameters of the start and performance in the sprint event of 50 m breaststroke from the perspective of gender in different age groups at international competitions organized in Slovakia. Materials and Methods: The females were categorized by age into K3 (2010-2011; n=36; 282 WA points), K2 (2008-2009; n=26; 409 WA points) and K1 (2007 and older; n=34; 503 WA points) groups. Males were categorized into K3 (2009-2010; n=27; 265 WA points), K2 (2007-2008; n=33; 372 WA points) and K1 (2006 and older; n=39; 207 WA points) groups. We used SwimPro cameras and Dartgish software to monitor kinematic parameters in the above-water, underwater, and swim phases. The parameters monitored were block time (BT), time (FT), and length (FD) of flight, time (UWT) and length (UWD) underwater, swim time (ST) and distance (SD) to 15 m, time to 15 m (T15), 25 m (T25), and 50 m (T50) distance. Data were tested by Shapiro-Wilk, Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA, and Mann-Whitney U test in Statistica software (version 13.5). Results: Statistically significant differences (p