RT Journal Article
T1 Do longer fins improve ocean rescues? A comprehensive investigation into lifeguard performance and physiological impact
A1 Rodríguez Ignacio, Hugo
A1 Barcala Furelos, Roberto Jesus
A1 Rey Eiras, Ezequiel
A1 Sanmartin Montes, Marcos
K1 3312.12 Ensayo de Materiales
K1 2411.06 Fisiología del Ejercicio
AB Coastal environments present dynamic challenges necessitating rapid and efficient responses during aquatic emergencies. Lifeguards, as pivotal links in the intervention chain, rely on various tools, with rescue time being paramount. The choice of fins, specifically long versus short ones, plays a critical role in optimizing lifeguard performance during rescues. This randomized cross-over study explores the impact of flipper size on ocean rescues, employing a sample of 14 lifeguards. Long fins (LFs) and short fins (SFs) were compared in terms of rescue time (RT) and physiological load (PL). Tests included ocean rescues without fins (R), with LF (R-LF), and with SF (R-SF). Variables recorded encompassed swim approach time, tow-in time, overall rescue time, perceived exertion rates (RPEs), and post-rescue lactate concentration. Long fins demonstrated superior performance in swim approach and tow-in times compared to both short fins and no fins (p < 0.001). Overall rescue time favored long fins significantly (p < 0.001), indicating their efficiency in practical ocean rescue scenarios. Physiologically, long fins induced lower perceived exertion in arms (p = 0.033) compared to short fins. Lactate concentrations post-rescue revealed no significant differences (p > 0.05). This study demonstrates that long fins significantly improve lifeguard performance during ocean rescues, reducing rescue times and alleviating arm fatigue.
PB Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology
SN 24115142
YR 2024
FD 2024-04-19
LK http://hdl.handle.net/11093/7696
UL http://hdl.handle.net/11093/7696
LA eng
NO Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology, 9(2): 79 (2024)
DS Investigo
RD 25-abr-2025