The Effect of Cerebral Lateralization on the Swimming Performance in Four Different Swimming Styles in Young Swimmers

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the effect of cerebral lateralization on swimming performance in four different swimming styles in young swimmers. Our study was designed according to the lateralization test, with the participation of 30 young adult swimmers between the ages of 15-25. The subjects were divided into three groups: right-handed, left-handed and ambidextrous. Swimming performance results published by the Turkish Swimming Federation were examined and the effect of lateralization was evaluated. SPSS 22.0 program was used for statistical operations. There was no significant difference between the freestyle 50m, backstroke 50m, breaststroke 50m, butterfly style 50m, freestyle 100m, backstroke 100m, breaststroke 100m and butterfly style 100m performances of individuals with and without a left-handed family history. However, a significant difference was detected between hand preference groups in freestyle 100m performance. According to post-hoc test results, it was determined that individuals using both hands performed better than those using dominant left and right hands. In general, although there is no significant relationship between lateralization scores and swimming performance, it has been observed that individuals who use both hands swim faster in all styles and distances.