Essay on Muscle Strength in Swimming

Introduction

Swimming is a skill that requires an individual to use energy in the muscles for easy navigation in water. It is essential to understand the role of kinetics and the skeletal muscle during the swimming process. Athletes can use the knowledge of swimming to better their ability in the sport (Pierce-Shimomura et al., 2008). Swimming is a sport that utilizes most of the bodies’ muscles, and the research must examine all parts that are involved in establishing the most significant ones. The research will apply a qualitative approach to investigate muscles that aid in swimming as a sport. Equally, the study will encompass a comprehensive literature review on swimming and body muscles that enhance performance for swimmers (Tytell et al., 2010). Significant muscles that id in swimming include Latissimus Dorsi, triceps, pectoral muscles, core muscles, and quadriceps muscles. The paper seeks to understand the impact each of the muscles mentioned has on a swimmer’s body during the exercise. The study aims to answer the question of how human kinetics and skeletal muscle function in swimming activities (Pierce-Shimomura et al., 2008). The internet will be a useful resource in both reviewing the literature and application of a suitable methodology. The paper seeks to unearth the role of the skeletal muscle functions in swimming activities.

Problem Statement

Swimming is a sport that has many followers and fans across the world. However, there is an existing gap of information on the functions of skeletal muscles during the sport. As such, providing more information on the topic of discussion will help shed more light on muscle involvement in swimming (Pierce-Shimomura et al., 2008). Swimmers can apply the information to their advantage and work on improving the most significant muscles. Most of the existing studies have concentrated on swimming as a sport, but few have narrowed to explain how body muscles to aid in the process.

Purpose for the Research

The primary purpose of conducting this research is to establish how swimmers can improve their ability by strengthening their muscles. As already noted, there is an existing gap of information on muscle strength during the swimming process, and it is the interest of the paper to address the matter (Pierce-Shimomura et al., 2008). Many people who swim do not have information on body muscles that are important in the exercise. The research will serve as a strategy to boost existing knowledge that can be used to promote muscle strength during swimming.

Objectives

• To explore what body muscles are involved in the process of swimming.
• To explore how body muscles are involved in swimming.
• Conduct a literature review on the topic of discussion to establish some facts.
• Apply an appropriate methodology to collect the required information on the topic of discussion.

Justification for the Research

The research emphasizes the role of skeletal muscle functions during the swimming process and how swimmers can boost their ability in the sport (Tytell et al., 2010). The fact that the study explores a topic that few have taken an interest justifies the need for the report.

Research Question

The research aims to answer the question of how human kinetics and skeletal muscle function in swimming activities.

Literature Review

A literature review encompasses a background check on the topic of discussion to establish various facts. The process is essential as it enables one to avoid working on ideas that others have already developed (Nakashima et al., 2012). Many authors have studied swimming as a sport and game for fun. It is important to note that few have narrowed down to muscle strengthening during the exercise. For instance, Nakashima et al., 2012 researched on optimizing the simulation of the arm stroke during the process of swimming (Nakashima et al., 2012). The authors emphasize on crawl swimming and muscle strengthening characteristics that can help swimmers. In the report, much has been mentioned on the optimization method applied to establish facts on the topic of discussion. A Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm was applied to computer data used to conclude the research. Using a constructed musculoskeletal simulation model helped establish muscle strengths in various conditions, tested in a bid to establish facts (Nakashima et al., 2012). The study asserts that body muscles are an essential part of the swimming process and should be improved for professional swimmers. The article is detailed enough and can help in formulating a formidable conclusion.

In the year 2008, Ray, Pendergast, and Lundgren presented a report that handles respiratory muscle role during the exercise. In their study, the authors established facts on the role of respiratory muscle training during the process (Ray, Pendergast and Lundgren, 2008). It is vital that reparatory muscles are trained to improve swimming efficiency, especially when one is going deep. The study applied experimental approaches to establish whether one can endure 4 feet depth while swimming without developing a problem. The study used nine male subjects aged between 25 and 32 to establish the reality on respiratory muscle strength (Ray, Pendergast and Lundgren, 2008). The participants were subjected to the exercise 30 minutes in one day, five days a week, for four weeks as an approach of collecting reliable data. Professional swimmers must find a way of boosting their respiratory muscles in water for efficiency. The research notes with concern that respiratory muscle fatigue influences swimming to a large extent. Equally, the article mentions the issue of ventilation, tidal volume, and breathing frequency as part of key aspects in the determination of respiratory muscle strength (Ray, Pendergast and Lundgren, 2008). The article is detailed enough to help the study establish various facts on skeletal muscle functions and the role it plays in the process of swimming.

Aspenes and Karlsen did another critical research on body muscles that impact swimming significantly in the year 2012. The two authors express a strong desire to exercise training intervention through swimming as a strong prerequisite for professional swimming. The research emphasizes on training as a way of strengthening muscles that are involved during the swimming process (Aspenes and Karlsen, 2012). The article notes with concern that swimming has existed as a sport for long enough and is one of the largest Olympic Games with 16 pools. The authors have mentioned factors that separate swimming from other sports in the world. Such aspects include the prone position, simultaneous use of arms and legs for propulsion, water immersion, and propulsive forces that are applied against the fluctuant element (Aspenes and Karlsen, 2012). Equally, the minimal influence of the equipment on performance separates swimming from other games. Swimmers engage themselves in training activities on a daily basis to strengthen their ability in the sport. According to the research, high training volumes do not pose an immediate advantage over low volumes (Aspenes and Karlsen, 2012). The research is detailed enough to aid in the process of establishing facts on swimming, and body muscles that take part are significant to the act.

Laudner and Williams, in the year 2013, researched the role of the Latissimus Dorsi and scapular adjustments among swimmers. The article has highlighted the essence of swimmers developing their Latissimus Dorsi for improved ability to swim. Much focus in the article has been given to the relationship between the stiffness of the Latissimus Dorsi and the altered scapular kinematics among swimmers (Laudner and Williams, 2013). The authors have applied a cross-sectional study design to gain a deeper insight into the issue of swimming and how body muscles participate. In the article, the authors have utilized 19 participants, which included seven male and 12 female division 3 swimmers. The participants that took part in the study were aged 17-19 years of age, and they were included upon consenting to the same. A myotonometer was used to measure the Latissimus Dorsi stiffness while in a lengthened position (Laudner and Williams, 2013). An electromagnetic device was also used to measure the scapular kinematics involved during the swimming process. In the event, the research established that Layissimus Dorsi and scapular movements of any kind tilt and are helpful in the process of swimming (Laudner and Williams, 2013). The research is well organized to provide detailed information on what happens to the Ltissimus Dorsi during the crawl stroke. The article will be useful in arriving at detailed conclusions throughout the study process.

In the year 2014, Lomax, Tasker, and Bostanci researched how respiratory muscle fatigue affects the Latissimus Dorsi and other body parts during the swimming process. The article used 8 participants who are collegiate swimmers to perform two maximal 20 seconds arm only front crawl sprints. The exercise was performed in a day, and inspiratory muscle fatigue was induced 30 minutes later (Lomax, Tasker, and Bostanci, 2014). The article has explained how it obtained findings in the research and how the media frequency was measured. The Latissimus Dorsi is better placed to aid in the swimming process, and fatigue of any nature affects swimming performance to a large extent. It is important to note that the authors recognize the essence of training and developing body muscles for professional swimmers (Lomax, Tasker, and Bostanci, 2014). The research applied the experimental approach to examine the level of muscle fatigue in respiratory muscles and the effect on swimming, especially the Latissimus Dorsi. The article mentions the alter stroke features and the effect of fatigue on the dual-function. To gain a deeper insight into the topic of discussion, the researchers used eight collegiate swimmers, 6 of whom were males and two females (Lomax, Tasker, and Bostanci, 2014). Participants in the study were aged between 18-33 years. The article will be instrumental in examining the role of body muscles during swimming and the kinematics involved.

Geladas, Nassis, and Pavlicevic in 2005 conducted a study to establish the relationship between anthropometry, physical ability, and sprint swimming ability for young swimmers aged 12-14 years. Upper extremity, hand length, foot length, chest circumference, and specific body breadths are some of the anthropometric characteristics that were on trial (Geladas, Nassis, and Pavlicevic, 2005). Equally, anthropometric features include mass and skin folds. The authors have asserted that such characteristics have an impact during the swimming process, especially for young developing swimmers. A total of 263 swimmers entered the competition, 178 of which were males and 85 females. The research applied the Tanner-Whitehouse model to assess the skeletal age of all participants in the study (Geladas, Nassis, and Pavlicevic, 2005). The study was seeking to ascertain the relationship between the mentioned factors, the physical ability, and the sprint swimming performance for the young competitors. According to the research, the factors listed affect young swimmers in different ways, depending on gender (Geladas, Nassis, and Pavlicevic, 2005). The article suggests further research in the area to establish a way of selecting swimmers. The research is organized in a logical manner, and its content will be used to formulate a formidable conclusion.

Hibberd et al., 2012 researched the effect of muscle strengthening for swimmers. The author acknowledges that shoulder pain is a major problem for sportspeople, especially those in swimming. The authors note with concern that professional swimmers should train for at least 10000-14000 meters a day six or seven times a week. Such training sessions subjects the shoulder part into pain that forms a significant problem for many swimmers (Hibberd et al., 2012). The article is informative as it gives an account of what the physical profile of a swimmer should be. The intensity that a swimmer applies to body muscles to boost swimming subjects one to muscle pain that affects the ability to swim. The research asserts that competitive swimmers need regular sessions of training to develop body muscles that support performance in the sport. Equally, the authors have discussed on muscle strength for competitive swimmers (Hibberd et al., 2012). It is of great importance that each participant in the sport trains enough to develop muscle strength. The article is well organized, and it uses a descriptive approach to bring forth important information on the topic of discussion (Hibberd et al., 2012). The study will be helpful throughout the research process and aid in forming a detailed argument on the role of body muscles during swimming.

Another key research on the swimming performance after active and passive recovery of various durations was done by Toubekis et al., 2008. In the article, the authors argue that a five-minute interval rest is enough to help swimmers recover for another session of swimming. The article used an experimental approach to gain a deeper insight into the topic of discussion (Toubekis et al., 2008). The research aimed to examine the effect of active and passive recovery for swimmers after the 100-m interval test at maximal effort. In the methodology section, the article used 11 competitive swimmers aged 16-19 years to experiment on the effect of a rest during the exercise. Among the eleven participants who took part in the study, 6 were females, while 5 were males (Toubekis et al., 2008). The procedure followed ethical standards that are required to the extent of arriving at a reliable conclusion on muscle strength during the process of swimming. The authors of the article note that regular exercise will help develop muscles that support proper swimming and improved performance (Toubekis et al., 2008). The article will be part of the materials that will help formulate a formidable conclusion on the function of the skeletal muscles during the swimming process.

Costa et al., 2015 did research on physiological adaptations to training in competitive swimming. The authors of the article conducted a systematic review and gathered relevant information on the topic of discussion. In essence, the research aimed to examine the scope of swimming and the implications for taking part in the sport (Costa et al., 2015). According to the study, professional swimmers have to train for muscle development and proper performance. A descriptive design was used to gather and analyze information on swimming and concepts that encompass the process. Thirty-four studies were selected for the research based on an inclusion criterion. In the article, the authors have stressed the role of conducting more research on the aquatic environment, given that it is used as a ground for sporting activities, especially swimming (Costa et al., 2015). A PRISMA approach was applied in the research to establish the total number of resources involved in the process. The article will be helpful in formulating a formidable argument on muscle strength during swimming for swimmers.

Methodology

A methodology is important to help approach the study in a more professional and objective way. In this particular case, the study will utilize a descriptive approach to gather and analyze important information on the topic of discussion (Armour and Chen, 2012). The section covers a research method that will be applicable, data collection methods, study design, and the ethical considerations ht should be put in place. Equally, the methodology part covers the research activities and limitations that might hinder the successful gathering of information. An inclusion and exclusion criteria are important to the research to establish relevant information on the role of skeletal muscles during the swimming process (Armour and Chen, 2012. There are many studies that have discussed the topic of discussion, and there is a need to include those that are only relevant for the research to obtain reliable data.

Research Method

The study will use a descriptive approach to examine the various attributes associated with swimming and the impact of body muscles during the exercise. A research method is a systematic procedure that will cover the research process until completion. For instance, in the descriptive approach, content analysis will be helpful in highlighting important information in works done before (Fallowfield, Hale and Wilkinson, 2005). The research will apply a qualitative approach to gather information that is relevant to the topic of discussion. A qualitative analysis will help gain a deeper insight as to how kinematics and skeletal muscles function to boost swimming ability. Using such an approach in research guarantees one reliable results as it examines all details closely. Through a qualitative approach, one can assess the validity and reliability of the information that is presented (Fallowfield, Hale and Wilkinson, 2005). The research will highly depend on secondary data presented by other authors to give a detailed conclusion on the topic of discussion. The method used will be helpful in gathering the necessary materials for the study.

The internet will be very vital throughout the research process as it will help access crucial information. Through the internet, the research will access a huge volume of data on swimming and body muscles that are involved (Green and Thorogood, 2009). Content analysis encompasses a rigorous process of analyzing online content on the topic of discussion. A qualitative analysis should be critical in a bid to ensure that the materials included are relevant to the topic of discussion (Green and Thorogood, 2009). Through the approach, one can detect the presence of specific words in a document or online. As such, the internet will help the research get access to information from numerous sources for a deeper understanding. Sources of data primarily include secondary sources such as structured interviews and academic articles on the topic of discussion (Green and Thorogood, 2009). The approach is utilized to analyze texts existing on swimming and the role of skeletal muscles in the process.

Data Collection

The data collection relied majorly on secondary data that has been presented by other others in the same area. As already noted, content analysis will be helpful in gaining a deeper insight into the issue of human kinematics and the role of skeletal muscles during swimming activities (Polkinghorne, 2005). Articles that contain information on the topic of discussion were selected for the study. Over 40 articles will be selected, but not all of them will prove useful to the research. As such, inclusion and exclusion criteria are necessary to help note relevant materials (Polkinghorne, 2005). The data collection process will follow the right procedure to avoid any further issues. There are many authors who have contributed to the topic, and it is important to establish a way of analyzing the available data, hence, content analysis.

An inclusion criterion will be necessary to ensure that the materials used in the study are reliable and relevant. Of the texts that will be collected on swimming, only articles that articulate issues of muscle strength and skeletal muscle function will be included. Equally, articles that provide information on how professional swimmers can strengthen their muscles would be helpful in the study (Polkinghorne, 2005). The online search strategy will apply content analysis to examine the presence of particular terms or phrases in each of the materials. Materials that explain the role of Latissimus Dorsi and other muscles are useful and will be included in the study.

Of the articles that will be collected for analysis, some are irrelevant and do not pose n equal utility throughout the study. As such, it is necessary that the study applies an exclusion criterion to avoid the use of irrelevant information. Materials that have no detailed content and cannot be relied on will be excluded. Equally, if an article has not concentrated on the search terms, it will not be material to the study, hence its elimination (Polkinghorne, 2005). Also, any material without a discussion on the role of muscles and how they aid in the swimming activity will be deemed irrelevant and excluded from the research process.

Research Design

The study will employ a descriptive approach to collect information and make interpretations on the topic of discussion. The information that will be gathered in this case will rely on secondary sources that have been established already. A qualitative allows one to collect attributes of the finer details in the information that is gathered (Krueger, 2014). The procedure to be used in the study is part of the study design and should be objectives in a bid to achieve set objectives. The nature of research determines the type of design that is suitable for that particular research. The study phase will determine the type of tools that are required for a clear guideline on how to approach the research. In a bid to ensure that the design chosen works well, there is a need to create a minimal level of biasness for the reliability of the information that can be collected (Krueger, 2014). Inappropriate designs can lead to the collection of misleading information, which will have failed the intentions of the research. Essential elements of the design that are crucial in the study include an accurate purpose of the statement. In this case, the study purposes on finding out what and how body muscles are involved in the process of swimming (Krueger, 2014). Projections of time and how the study will be conducted are also necessary to ensure that time s an important resource is observed.

Research Activities

The research will include a number of activities that will help gain a deeper insight into the topic of discussion and gather the relevant information. The first activity is to determine whether the resources necessary for the research are readily available (Lynch, 2010). Since the study relies on secondary information, the internet will help gather all materials that are deemed important for the study. As such, the first step includes gathering of all sources that are deemed relevant for the study. The second step is to analyze the information collected to establish articles that will be helpful in the research process. Materials that do not meet the inclusion criterion should be excluded as they are less useful (Lynch, 2010). Articles with the required content should be analyzed to see thematic attributes in the data. Upon gathering the required findings from the study, the research will analyze the data to form a basis for a discussion.

Ethical Considerations

Ethical standards must be observed to avoid violation of rights in any particular setting. In the recent past, studies that involved humans as experiments have had issues to do with ethics for violating their rights. Any research that intends to use humans or their information must seek consent as the first ethical strategy (Connelly, 2014). In this particular case, the study will have to seek consent from relevant authorities to conduct the research. Internationally acceptable ethical standards require that a researcher respects views presented by others. Biasness during the process of research in uncalled for and should be part of unethical standards that should be eliminated in the study process. The existing literature on swimming and body muscles involved should be respected and not duplicated (Connelly, 2014). The research will avoid biasness and ensure that acceptable ethical standards are applied. Failure to respect other peoples’ views is a violation of their rights and should be put to an end in any research design.

Another crucial ethical consideration that the study will observe is the use of the appropriate procedure to reach a formidable conclusion. It is unethical to provide misleading information to the public as some can use it, assuming that the data is reliable (Connelly, 2014). The materials that will be used for the study will not be subjected to any level of change. Intellectual property rights must be upheld in every research process as required by ethical standards. As a critical consideration, the study will be keen not to waste time on one role as there is multiple of them that require attention. In the event, information collected can be deemed reliable and valuable for application (Connelly, 2014). Consent rules used applicable must be followed to avoid the rise of complaints in the process or after the exercise. Such can attract litigation, which might cost the researcher huge sums of money. It is of great importance that each research process applies the acceptable code of conduct in its bid to meet the set objectives.

Limitations

The first limitation that is expected to challenge a successful research process is the time allocated for the study. Time is limited, and there is a need to make good use of the allocated timeframe. As one of the constraints to the research, the time allocated might not be adequate to gather information and formulate a formidable conclusion (Ochieng, 2009). The rushing of the process can prompt one to collect information that is irrelevant or less valuable in the study. For instance, an analysis of various materials requires time to establish the most compelling sources. With more time, such a research process can be efficient and reliable in the collection of required information for a conclusion.

The second limit that will affect the research significantly is resources. The study majorly relies on secondary data, which was collected by different observers. In the event, data can be altered and does not provide an accurate picture on the topic of discussion. First-hand information is important and valuable in arriving at detailed conclusions (Ochieng, 2009). Future research work in the area should be funded to help strategize how swimming as a sport can be promoted through training.

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