OK, so that's quite a bit of physics and math to take in all in one sitting, so I thought I'd at least post the conclusion for those who (like myself) might feel a little too zoned out to read and/or comprehend the complete study :
"Conclusion
The analysis of the collected data confirmed the diagnostic value of the parameters indicated by Artificial Neuronal Networks indicating that the model constructed on its basis may be used to assess the monofin swimming technique. The parameters defined by the network pointed out the need to intensify the angular velocity of thigh extension and dorsal flexion of the feet, to strengthen angular velocity of attack of the tail and to accelerate the attack of the distal part of the fin.
The other two parameters which should be taken into account are dynamics of tail flexion change in downbeat and dynamics of the change in angle of attack in upbeat. Thanks to the model we were able to define how to use a monofin efficiently and economically. To achieve maximum speed a swimmer should utilize the reserves in the upbeat phases by the reduction of the degrees of freedom of the legs leading to controlling of the monofin’s flexibility."
-dav0
p.s. Somehow I don't think this information is really helping me decide what monofin to buy or where to go swimming with it, but maybe it will help advance monofin science or something.
July 6th, 2007
