REF-652 · González-Ravé, González-Mohíno, Hermosilla, Rodrigo-Carranza, Yustres & Pyne, 2025 · Sports Medicine – Open, · Paper
Systematic review of 35 observational studies (n=507 backstrokers, Tier 3-4): 50, 100 and 200 m backstroke have distinct profiles
Lower post-race lactate in the 50, event-specific stroke-rate ranges, anthropometric differences and different pacing shapes — with normative reference values
Evidence base
938 records identified; 35 studies included; n=507 swimmers (188 women), classified as Tier 3 (Highly Trained/National) or Tier 4 (International). Search of PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science finalised September 26, 2024.
All studies observational; low risk of bias on the Hindle scale (11 ± 2 points).
Key Findings
The review provides normative reference values for blood lactate, kinematics, race pace, performance testing and anthropometrics for 50, 100 and 200 m backstroke.
Post-race blood lactate was lower after the 50 m than after the 100 m and 200 m.
Stroke-rate reference ranges differ between events, as do anthropometric profiles (height; hand, foot and leg length).
Pacing profiles differ by event: 50 m all-out; 100 m positive (fast-then-slower); 200 m parabolic or fast-track.
Conclusion: a distinctive physiological and biomechanical pattern exists across 50-200 m backstroke.
Practical Application
Across 35 observational studies of 507 highly trained to international backstrokers, each distance has its own profile — 50 m all-out with lower post-race lactate, 100 m positive split, 200 m parabolic or fast-track — so pacing and stroke-rate targets should be set per event rather than scaled from one race.
Use the review's reference values (lactate, stroke rate, race pace, anthropometrics) as benchmarks for where a swimmer sits relative to national/international norms in their event.
Inference, not tested: the earlier framing that "technique and power outweigh physiological markers" is not what the abstract reports; the review characterises event profiles and gives reference values, it does not rank determinants.
Limitations
Synthesis of observational/descriptive data (association, not causation); stroke-specific, may not transfer to other strokes.
No pooled effect sizes; reference values depend on the tiers and eras of the included studies.
How this entry was checked and changed
Why this level
regraded 2026-09-27 from B: PRISMA systematic review of 35 observational studies, n=507, low risk of bias
Content correction 2026-09-27
Entry's title and findings claimed backstroke performance is "governed by stroke mechanics, start/underwater phases, upper-limb power and anthropometry — not any single physiological marker" and that technique/power "outweigh generic aerobic markers" -> the abstract reports none of this: it gives event-specific reference values and reports lower post-race lactate in the 50 m, event-specific stroke-rate ranges, anthropometric differences and distinct pacing profiles (50 all-out, 100 positive, 200 parabolic/fast-track).
Added the evidence base (35 observational studies, n=507, 188 women, Tier 3-4, Hindle 11 ± 2). Level regraded B -> B+; Tier set to 3-4 from "mixed".