Characterizing Lateral Movement Patterns in Cuban Para-swimmers

Abstract

Laterality patterns in sports contribute to the improvement and psychomotor development of athletes. This study characterizes the lateral preferences of Cuban para-swimmers across different classes according to their functional disabilities by applying a laterality test. The objective is to characterize their lateral movement patterns, with the intention of perfecting technique, enhancing performance results, and demonstrating the presence of these patterns in athletes with sensory impairments, as well as homogeneous and cross combinations and their technical implications. A prospective longitudinal cross-sectional study was conducted with a group of 8 para-swimmers from the national team during a meso-macro cycle of their training. Six tests were applied to analyze five indicators outlined by Dorochenko (2013), and the sample was characterized based on the results. The methods employed included theoretical, empirical, and statistical-mathematical procedures, such as simple percentage calculations. It was concluded that of the 8 observed swimmers, 5 are homogeneous right, 1 is homogeneous left, and 2 exhibit left laterality. Laterality has a direct effect and is a determining factor for technical performance and optimization in sports training for these athletes.