Abstract
The world record of the hammer throw has not been broken since 1986. This stagnation is multifactorial. One dominant factor could be the lack of evidence-based scientific/biofeedback training. This study aims to identify key parameters influencing throw quality and structure a new digital method for biofeedback training. Wire-tension measurement and 3D motion capture technology (VICON 12-camera system) were applied in quantifying and comparing throws of a national-level and a college-level athlete. Our results reveal that multi-joint coordination influences heavily on wire-tension generation. Four phases, i.e., initiation, transition, turns, and throw, play various roles in evaluating the quality of a throw. Among them, the transition, the third turn, and the throw display explosive/rapid increases of tension. For improving the effectiveness of the skill, the whip-like control and proper SSC (stretch-shortening cycle) of muscle groups involved should be established through years of training. Furthermore, our study unveils that quick and complex full-body control could be quantified and characterized by four key parameters: wire-tension, hand- and hip-height, and trunk tilt. Hence, a wearable digital device with tension and three Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) sensors would have great potential in realizing real-time biomechanical feedback training in practice for evaluating and improving the efficiency of various training programs.
Highlights
The hammer throw is one of the most common track and field competitions, but compared to other events, it has the longest standing world record (86.74 m), established by Yuriy Syedikh from former USSR in 1986 [1]
While a number of classification schemes have been used to describe the phases of the hammer throw, our results show that the skill should be divided into five phases: (1) initiation, (2) transition, (3) turns, (4) throw, and (5) follow through (Figure 2)
The throwing phase is characterized by double-feet support (DFS) and the second big jump of the wire-tension (Figure 2)
Summary
The hammer throw is one of the most common track and field competitions, but compared to other events, it has the longest standing world record (86.74 m), established by Yuriy Syedikh from former USSR in 1986 [1]. There is no doubt that the hammer throw owes itself to complex human motor skills, involving quick body spins, dynamic balancing, and explosive power generation. One dominant factor for the stagnation could be the lack of evidence-based.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
