Qualitative assessment of swimming techniques

A systematic review of literature

Abstract

This systematic review aimed to identify which methods are used or proposed for qualitative assessment of swimming techniques, identifying how these are characterized and how they are applied. Fifteen studies were selected, but only four were aimed at validating instruments, while the others only applied evaluations. The results indicate that: the evaluation instruments adopted satisfactorily meet the criteria of scientific validity; the samples used are predominantly of children; the studies give preference to checking questionnaires and the use of filming; items are too long for practical application; the relationship beetwen time and fatigue is disregarded in test descriptions. In the end, we make suggestions for future research and for swimming assessment.