The changes in fractal dimension after a maximal exertion in swimming

Abstract

Quite often linear variables are not sensitive enough to explain the changes in the motor behavior of elite athletes. So, non-linear variables should be selected. The aim was to compare the fractal dimension before and after a maximal bout swimming front-crawl. Twenty-four subjects performed an all-out 100m trial swimming front-crawl. Immediately before (Pre-test) and after the trial (Post-test) a speed-meter cable was attached to the swimmer's waist to measure the hip speed from which fractal dimension was derived. The fractal dimension showed a significant decrease with a moderate effect size between pre- and post-tests. Twenty-one out of 24 swimmers decreased the fractal dimension. As a conclusion, there is a decrease in the fractal dimension and hence in the swimming behavior complexity being under fatigue after a maximal trial.