Biomechanics analysis of the arm for the badminton forehand smash

Abstract

Purpose：Badminton is an excellent sport for enhancing fitness; however, incorrect swinging motions may lead to sport injuries. In order to forecast the sport injury risk, this paper investigates the kinematic and stress variations on the arm during the various phases of a badminton forehand smash movement (i.e., the preparing, swinging, stroking, and following phases). Methods: Based on biological, kinematic, and dynamic concepts and principles, we develop a dynamic model of arm swing paths whose feasibility is assessed using four types of motion paths: a correctly positioned badminton smash (Path 1), a smash recovery following a successful smash shot (Path 2), and two error motions that commonly occur during smash shots (Paths 3 and 4). We then conduct a motion analysis of these four paths to determine the kinetic chain of the forehand smash and the influence that stress and muscle strength exertion have on badminton players’ arms. Results: We find that Path 2 easily induces sport injuries in the humerus and triceps brachii; Path 3 causes serious sport injuries in the forearm, wrist, biceps brachii; and Path 4 poses greater risk of injury to the forearm, wrist, musculus flexor carpi ulnaris, and musculus extensor carpi radialis. Conclusions: The proposed biomechanics model can therefore be used to predict post-motion exertion points, making it a useful reference tool for training and teaching.