Changes in Biomechanical Profile of an Artistic Swimming Duet over a Training Macrocycle: A Case Study

This study aimed to monitor the biomechanical development of an artistic swimming duet across a macrocycle through an individualised training approach. Two swimmers (17.5 ± 0.5 years), members of the Los Angeles 2028 National Olympic Project, were assessed in December 2023 (M1) and April 2024 (M2), corresponding to the beginning and the end of the macrocycle. Maximal (Fmax) and mean (Fmean) force in the prone sculling and kick pull action were measured using a 20 s tethered test. Split velocity (vSplit) was assessed in free format based on video recording. Dry-land strength included assessments of internal (IR) and external (ER) shoulder rotation strength of the dominant (D) and non-dominant (ND) limbs, and countermovement jump (CMJ) power. The standard duet choreography was analysed in competition at both time points. Percentage variation (∆%) between swimmers was calculated for M1 vs. M2. Results showed convergence (M1 vs. M2) in Fmean of the sculling (21.6% vs. 9.9%) and kick pull (45.1% vs. 29.1%), accompanied by greater similarity in vSplit (15.9% vs. 15.5%). Further convergence was observed in IRND (33.7% vs. 13.9%), ERD (11.6% vs. 4.4%) and CMJ (7.4% vs. 3.6%). The duet’s competition score increased from 168.9943 to 190.7183 points. It can be concluded that individualised training was useful for the duet to become more homogeneous in in-water strength, in-water kinematics and dryland strength, resulting in improved competitive performance.