Détermination des paramètres morpho-fonctionnels des jeunes nageurs algériens

Abstract

Objectives.-In younger swimmers, the level of physical development may affect the morphological characteristics. This study aims to determine the morphological profile of young swimmers of the Algerian national selection of both sexes, 12, 13 and 14 years in age, and to see its influence on performance. Sixty-one young swimmers, 28girls (mean 13.25 ± 0.80 year old, weight: 49.29 ± 6.91kg, size: 157.59 ± 6.74 cm) and 31boys (mean 0.80 ± year 13.03years; weight: 47.97 ± 7.44 kg; size: 160.37 ± 8.33cm). The power of the lower limbs is evaluated by way of the vertical jump test. A belly cast test is used to determine their power in water. Swimming speed is evaluated using the speed test on 10m freestyle (NL). The performance of 50 m and 400m NL are timed from the Algeria youth championships in a 50m swimming pool that took place in 2012-13. A statistical analysis of anthropometric and functional parameters has allowed to determine the morpho-functional characteristics that are specific to this age group. A principal component analysis (ACP) is used to keep a small and representative number of anthropometric characteristics and identify individuals with the best measurements relative to the rest of the group. The third part is devoted to morphological profiles. Finally, an analysis of correlations (Pearson) is used to evaluate the influence of physical development on the performance in young swimmers. Results.- A homogeneity for most morphological and functional parameters, reflecting a growth dynamic as well as a physical development that is conform to swimmers of this age category. Low to high correlations with p<0.05 were recorded for the sample of girls between the ventral casting and size (r =0.38), and the length of the lower limb (r= 0.39), and skinfold of the thigh (r=-0.39). Vertical jump is significantly correlated with the transverse diameter of the chest (r =0.59), with the thigh circumference (r =0.46), and with the biacromial diameter (r =-0.70). The performance of the 50-meter freestyle is significantly related to the circumference of the forearm (r =0.41). For boys, the ventral casting is significantly correlated with body weight (r = 0.52), stature (r= 0.46), the length of the upper limb (r= 0.38), the length of the hand (r =0.48), the length of the thigh (r =0.46), the distal diameter of the arm (r = 0.43), the thigh circumference (r =0.46), the circumference of the chest in inspiration (r =0.51), the transverse diameter of the chest (r =0.43), the circumference of the contracted arm (r =0.55), and the length of the lower member (r =0.49). Vertical jump is significantly related to the circumference of the chest in inspiration (r =0.50), in the thigh circumference (r =0.50), and the skinfold of the thigh (r =0.40). The performance of the 400 meters is negatively correlated with the transverse diameter of the chest (r =-0.38) and the circumference of the chest in inspiration (r =-0.46). The test of the 10-meter freestyle is correlated with the circumference of the contracted arm (r = -0.39). Conclusion.- The results obtained show that, in the elaborate profiles, physical development is average in girls 12, 13 and 14 year in age, rather low to medium for a few parameters in boys of 12 and 13years and overall surrelevated in the 14 years, and that this development may affect performance. These profiles by age and sex, particularly those of the best individuals, could serve as a reference for professionals and scientists in detecting young talents. One of the perspectives of this work is to continue focusing our investigations on issues linked to morphotypology of the Algerian young swimmers.