Graphic representation of speed and distance traveled

The process by means of mathematical processing applied to the numerical representation produced from the phase of video tracking , which produces as a result a number of physical quantities related to the event ( es.  speeds progress , accelerations , angles , ) in different formats ( eg . numerical, graphical , etc. ) .

Re-calculation of frequency calculation (SR), amplitude (SD) and arm index (SI)

Among the main roles of a coach there and ‘ to help athletes find out the best combination of ampiezzae frequency of stroke , enabling the athlete to swim at the desired speed with minimal energy expenditure .

In this article we propose MORESWIM as a  support of the coaches of a new method of calculating  of stroke frequency and distanace  that lends itself to a more accurate analysis of the swim.

To do this MORESWIM has revisited the traditional requirements that determine the frequency and amplitude calculation of strokes with a different approach based on modern video analysis tools

Evaluations conducted by MORESWIM have had as a database the results of some European competitions London 2016, Rome Settecolli 2016 relative to international athletes.

Development of MORESWIM methodology

Definition

To begin with the classic definitions:

” Stroke cycle  – SR”

“Distance for stroke – SD”

It represents the measure of how we move forward in the water with each arm stroke and is expressed in meters per cycle

“Stroke Index  – SI”

This index expresses a relation between cycle and amplitude of stroke, is expressed in m ² / s that does not have a real physical meaning but represents a simple practical application to a monitor at the same time the trend of the cycle and amplitude (eg. The parameter SI decreases with increasing SR)

Methodology for the Cycles and width of strokes traditionally followed the race analysis and based on video analysis process

The scenario chosen by us is related to a race situation with high level  athletes  . The method is based on video analysis processes. Leaving aside all aspects related to the accuracy and calibration of cameras, placement of rooms and equipment used for video analysis used we will focus on what is usually the source data base on the basis of which will be derived the parameters of interest to us.

Parameter list output of the video analysis process:

1. Start Block release time (sec): from the start event to the time when the feet leaved  the block
2. Path Time (sec)  : is the time until when the head  reach each distance Test_Point (TP_xx) where xx = 5, 15, 25, 35, 45, 50 meters (for races up to 400 meters), for races above 400 mt TP_xx is checked every 20 meters.
3. Time mark of each single stroke cycle (instead of 3 cycles adopted in the classical method)
4. Time of marks – 5 meters  : is the time the athlete spents to cover last 5 mt of track (TP_END – 5)

Output parameter list of the process mathematical processing:

1. Stroke Rate (SR)
2. Average speed of each Test_Pointd  path  (e.g.  5, 15,25,35,45 and 50 mt……..)
3. Stroke distance (SD)
4. Average speed during last 5 mt  to turn phase
5. Average speed during last 5 mt  to end race

Comparison of the results with the traditional method provides quite significant conclusions. Infact this  approach highlights some aspects in the application of this methodology as:

a) Greater sampling of the single stroke signal with a consequent increase in the                sensitivity of the signal itself.

b) Possibility to extend the mathematical analysis of the frequency up to one cycle            before the  track end Test Point, covering in particular the last 5 meters of track.

c) Possibility of extending the distance stroke computation until the end track                   Test_Point, covering more precisely also the last 5 meters of the race.

d) Ability to highlight trends in the cyclical nature of a specific limb (eg. Dominance)

Below the results of the analysis limited to the calculation of Cycle and Amplitude of Arms of a race of the last London European Championships 2016.

Starting from the same basic data from the video analysis process are shown through still images and graphs the results of the calculation and representation of the SR  SD and SI parameters, made with two different methods or “traditional and currency on the basis of three stroke cycles” and “MORESWIM which evaluates based on each individual stroke cycle.

Example   camera Fields of View involved :

1) Fixed camera with the field of view being from 0 m to 15 m

2)   Fixed camera with the field phase of arrival view between 35 mt and 50 mt

3) Mobile camera with the field of view focused on lane No. 4

 

Assumptions diagram representation stroke cycles considering 50 mt track 

The following diagram shows a hypothetical track  breakdown  and the related Times Test_Points harmonized with a stroke cycles sequence. Looking at this schedule you can see for example that is in Phase 2 (distance of between 5 and 15 meters underwater emerging from the principle of 3 cycles is difficult to be applied) and unchanged in Phase 6 (the last 5 meters are not able include the three cycles).

 

4)   Example of video process marking of time references to Test_Points

httpv://youtu.be/5DgC0ByZpB8

5) Example video process marking each stroke from start (36+ e.g .final touch)

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OG0Z9ftkJA0

Numerical Example output from process MORESWIM video marking 

The following tables show some stages of MORESWIM process, which through video marking activities and subsequent export in numerical form will power the math process.

Step 1  –   Detection and  time exporting of head at various distance  Start Point

Step 2 –  Processing data exported in Step 1 as  average speeds , test point distance  partial                         time

Example  of MORESWIM’s output process mathematical processing 

The following table shows some sample data areas produced by MORESWIM’s  algorithm  for subsequent  graphic and / or  numerical plotting of SR , SD and SI parameters.

 

Comparison of  final results in graphical form between  “MORESWIM 1 cycles rating” and “traditional 3 cycles rating”  relative to SR , SD and SI process calculation 

The data  represented below were been produced by automatic MORESWIM process using as initial numerical data set the result of MORESWIM videotracking export data  process  of  one    London 2016   50 mt free style  battery qualifying then applying both  SR and SD calculation  method relative to performance of same athlete.

 

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Stroke Rate evaluation  –  traditional method 3 cycles

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Stroke Rate evaluation  –  “MORESWIM” method 1 cycles

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Stroke Distance evaluation  –  traditional method 3 cycles

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Stroke Distance evaluation  – “MORESWIM” method 1 cycles

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Stroke Index evaluation  –  “traditional” method 3 cycles

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Stroke Index evaluation  – “MORESWIM” method 1 cycles