Abstract

BARBOSA, Tiago M.  and  VILAS-BOAS, João P.. Study of several efficiency concepts about human locomotion in aquatic environment. Rev. Port. Cien. Desp. [online]. 2005, vol.5, n.3, pp.337-349. ISSN 1645-0523.

One of the major interests in the frontier between Biomechanics and Physiology is the study of efficiency. The efficiency expresses the relationship between the mechanical work and the related energy expenditure. The study of efficiency, in the water, becomes more complex due to difficulties in quantifying, with accuracy, the energetic exchanges between the swimmer and the environment. However, swimming is one of the most studied sports, in order to understand its bioenergetical implications and the efficiency’s repercussions of different locomotion processes. "State of the art" about human locomotion in water, with special reference to swimming techniques is thus presented.

Keywords : efficiency; locomotion; aquatic environment; swimming.

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