Kalaitzoglidis_DATA_RESULTS_figshare

This study aimed to experimentally investigate the biomechanical and performance differences between the Grab Start (GS) and the Kick Start (KS) with each leg on the kickplate (KSR, KSL) in Bi-Finswimming (BFS). It focused on the effect of foot placement on the OSB11 starting block to determine potential performance advantages and contribute evidence-based recommendations for optimizing start techniques in competitive BFS. Methods: Thirteen national-level finswimmers (7 males, 6 females; age: 17.7 ± 2.1 years) voluntarily participated. Each athlete performed two trials of three start techniques (GS, KSR, KSL) over three days in randomized order. Four synchronized cameras recorded video data. Performance metrics (time to 5 m, 15 m, 25 m, reaction time, block time (BT), flight time (FT), and entry characteristics) along with joint angles (hip, knee, ankle), were analyzed using Kinovea software. Results: No significant gender differences were found (p > 0.05). Significant differences emerged between the starting techniques, with KS showing faster times (p