The effect of selected diving fin properties on underwater propulsion in a heterogeneous diving population
Abstract
SCUBA diving fins were tested for underwater propulsion using a heterogeneous group of divers. Testing procedures had each subject swim repeated underwater trials with each of the diving fins at three intensities (RPE's 9, 13, and 17). Nine fins were used in this study. Three fins were categorized as small, three as medium, and three as large. Within each size grouping, fins were rated as flexible, medium, or stiff. Analysis of variance's (ANOVA's) were conducted on the fin-RPE effect and also on the size-flexibility-RPE effect. The fin-RPE ANOVA revealed a significant interaction (p =.0029) between fin and RPE. The size-flexibility-RPE ANOVA revealed a significant interaction (p =.025) between size, flexibility, and RPE. Interpretation of the fin-RPE ANOVA suggested that an absolute hierarchy of fins could not be determined without the inclusion of intensity. Therefore, to determine the propulsion produced by each set of fins, the condition at which they will be used needs to be known. Interpretation of the size, flexibility, and RPE ANOVA reached a similar conclusion, in that size, flexibility, and RPE need to be considered to predict the propulsive properties of certain sets of fins. Analysis of plots of the size-flexibility interaction at each RPE revealed no conclusive results regarding these two properties. Thus, diving fin propulsion has been shown not to be governed exclusively by fin size, fin flexibility, or a size-flexibility combination in a heterogenous group of divers. Instead, it appears that another factor or combination of factors may be the driving component in the efficient use of diving fins. Therefore, a better criteria for fin selection may include consideration of each diver's physiological condition as well as both the type and the location of the dive.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Widule, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Physical education
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