Are Certain Motor and Anthropometric Characteristics Associated with Turn Performance in Swimmers?
Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this study is to examine the association of specific motor and anthropometric characteristics with turn performance in swimmers aged 10–15.
Method: The study was designed as a cross-sectional correlational study, which is one of the quantitative research methods. The athletes underwent anthropometric (body weight, height, leg length, arm span, hand length, shoulder width), motor (balance, agility, 30-second sit-up test), and turn performance-related (15-meter sprint phase, stroke rate, turn phase, underwater dolphin kick count, distance covered after wall exit, wall departure phase) measurements. The obtained data were analyzed using the SPSS 23.0 software package, with a significance level of p<0.05. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used for data showing a normal distribution, and Pearson correlation analysis was employed to determine the level of relationship between variables.
Results: A significant positive correlation was found between stroke rate and the 15‑m sprint phase (r = 0.466; p < 0.05), while a significant negative correlation was found between distance covered after wall exit and stroke rate (r = –0.434; p < 0.05). Height, leg length, arm span, hand length, and shoulder width showed significant negative correlations with 15‑m sprint times. Values from the left‑foot stork test and the 30‑second sit‑up test were also negatively correlated with sprint times.
Conclusion: The development of anthropometric characteristics was positively associated with sprint performance, as indicated by decreased sprint times. While there was no significant overall association between motor skills and general turn performance, certain specific variables contributed to better turn outcomes. Furthermore, the distance covered after leaving the wall and the number of underwater dolphin kicks were found to have a significant positive impact on turn performance.
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Ethical Statement
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Biomechanics in Sports Science
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
Seval Dizdar
0000-0002-2598-2384
Türkiye
Burak Kural
*
0000-0002-0678-0189
Türkiye
Vedat Ayan
0000-0003-1887-5334
Türkiye
Selami Yüksek
0000-0002-2162-8660
Türkiye
Publication Date
August 28, 2026
Submission Date
April 8, 2026
Acceptance Date
May 12, 2026
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Volume: 9 Number: 2026