Jessica Whitehorn - 13/02/2008

Ideas formulated at the 2006 ‘Going for Gold’ workshops organised by UK Sport and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) have led to the development of new computer software that could enable British swimmers to improve their technique more quickly and effectively, helping them win medals in major championships in the future.

The software provides instant, in-depth feedback on a swimmer’s glide technique. Swimmers glide following starts and turns, when not moving their arms or legs but just using momentum to travel through the water. As well as supplying data on head position and body alignment, the software actively suggests ways in which a swimmer can improve their posture to minimise resistance and pinpoints the optimum moment to begin kicking.

The new system offers benefits beyond the capabilities of any other currently used in elite swimming. The feedback it generates is available immediately, so swimmers and coaches can use it at the poolside and implement recommendations while a training session is still in progress. The system also generates data of unprecedented quality in terms of detail and accuracy.

The software is being developed by sports scientists at the University of Edinburgh’s Centre for Aquatics Research and Education (CARE) with additional input from Sheffield Hallam University, and funding from the EPSRC in collaboration with UK Sport. Once tested and validated, it should be available to swimmers throughout the UK within around 12 months. 

UK Sport’s Research and Innovation Consultant Dr Scott Drawer said: “We are working towards equipping our British coaches and athletes across many sports with innovative solutions for providing instant feedback. This will allow them to learn and improve faster than their opponents, and hopefully create faster times in competition, where the difference between gold and silver can be mere hundredths of seconds.”

Swimmers from the prestigious City of Edinburgh and Warrender swimming clubs will participate in testing the new system and in experiments to enhance knowledge about factors affecting gliding performance.

Project lead Professor Ross Sanders of the University of Edinburgh said: “Both the speed and accuracy of the feedback will add to the value of the advice that coaches give their swimmers. Another important benefit is that the alterations to technique suggested by the software are customised exactly to suit each individual swimmer.

“The software could even help to identify the champions of tomorrow. It will show which young swimmers naturally move easily through the water, which may well equate to outstanding ability or a particular aptitude for the sport.” 

©2008 UK Sport