Descrição
The aim of this study was to develop a structural equation model for underwater gliding distance based in its determinant variables. Twenty three subjects (twelve boys and eleven girls with a mean age of 13.61 ± 0.83 years old) were evaluated. It were assesseddetermined: (i) the underwater gliding distance; (ii) the Squat Jump performance; (iii) the passive drag; (iv) the passive drag coefficient; (v) the trunk transverse surface area and; (vi) the gliding velocity. Underwater gliding distance was significantly correlated with Squat Jump (rs = 0.43; p = 0.038) and with passive drag (rs = 0.18; p = 0.402). Overall model explained 30% of the underwater gliding distance (x2 =26.946; x2/df = 3.849; SRMR = 0.207). As a conclusion, there are some other variables not considered for this model that might have significant influence in the underwater gliding distance. In this sense, it seems that the underwater gliding test it is not representative of the swimmer's passive drag nor his/her coefficient of passive drag.