Originally posted by LindsayNB
I can't cite a source but I have read that all that matters is the cross sectional area of the hand, the spread of the fingers does not affect the area so it does not effect the propulsion.
Do you mean the cross-sectional area of the hand as viewed from the side or as viewed looking at the palm? In the latter case I think it does change, at least effectively, when the fingers are spread. Sort of like a skydiver. To slow down they go into a spread eagle position. Their arms and legs are still exactly the same size as they were before, but by spreading them they are creating more air resistance.
Originally posted by LindsayNB
I can't cite a source but I have read that all that matters is the cross sectional area of the hand, the spread of the fingers does not affect the area so it does not effect the propulsion.
Do you mean the cross-sectional area of the hand as viewed from the side or as viewed looking at the palm? In the latter case I think it does change, at least effectively, when the fingers are spread. Sort of like a skydiver. To slow down they go into a spread eagle position. Their arms and legs are still exactly the same size as they were before, but by spreading them they are creating more air resistance.
