Creating and validating a test for measuring motor performance of the crawl swimming style

Resumen

The aim of this study was to create and validate a test to measure the motor performance of the crawl swimming style, in order to sort subjects out learning levels. To the achievement of the reliability criterion, 23 adults (12 men and 11 women) averaging 24.7 years old and engaged in the Sports Swimming School Association of the UFSM were sampled. To test the objectivity, the application was carried out by three evaluators. Throughout the two analyses, a linear intra-class correlation coefficient was used. For the description and visualization of its elements, the test was divided in six items: body posture; leg movement; propelling and non-propelling arm stage; breathing; leg, arm and breathing synchronization. To determine the validity of the test content, it was evaluated by four Physical Education professionals. The results come out of the statistical analysis allowed both the test reliability (0.90 through 0.95) and the test objectivity (0.95 through 0.98) to be classified as excellent. An exception is made for the former, regarding the propelling arm stage item, which was deemed to be good. From the analysis performed by the four Physical Education professionals, it came out that the test put forward is valid. Thus, the “Motor Performance of the Crawl Swimming Style Test” can be applied to sort subjects out learning levels. Pellegrini (2000) suggests three assortment levels: beginner, intermediate and expert. Accordingly, scores ranging from 0 to 9 belonged in the beginners group; from 10 to 19, in the intermediate one; and from 20 to 30, in the experts.