titletitletitletitletitletitleDifferences in Respiratory Function and Thoracic Expansion between Different Swimming Styles in High School Swimmers

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate whether different swimming styles cause differences in respiratory function and thoracic cage expansion in swimmers. [Participants and Methods] A total of 89 first- to third-year high-school swimmers were included in this study. Respiratory function and thoracic expansion differences were compared between four swimming styles. [Results] The results show that the ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁) to forced vital capacity (FVC) was significantly higher in freestyle than in backstroke. Conversely, the difference in thoracic expansion at the level of the 10th rib was significantly higher in backstroke than in freestyle. [Conclusion] These results suggest that increasing the FEV₁/FVC ratio may be necessary in freestyle, whereas increasing the mobility of the lower rib cage may be necessary in backstroke to improve athletic performance.