Skill Level and Gender Differences In Release Phase Durations In The Javelin Throw

Abstract

The javelin throw requires the creation of a large amount of momentum during the runup to then transfer to the javelin at release. A fast momentum transfer phase is thought to be most effective. PURPOSE: To determine if there are timing differences in the final phases of the javelin throw release related to gender or skill level. METHODS: Male and female finalists in the 2004 USATF National Championships and the 2004 Olympic Games were filmed. The final release phase consists of a cross-over step onto the right foot (RTD), then left foot plant (LTD) and javelin release (REL). The instants of RTD, LTD and REL were estimated within 0.1 frame for the two best throws for each athlete. The time period between RTD and LTD the thrower is in single-support (SS) while the time between LTD and REL, the thrower is typically in double-support (DS). The phase times were compared between skill levels for each gender with the hypothesis that the more skilled the group, the shorter the duration for each time phase. Pearson correlation coefficients between throw distances and time durations were computed. RESULTS: For both genders, the more skilled athletes had shorter times. There was only a statistical difference in the DS and Total times between the two men's groups (p = 0.01 and p = 0.006, respectively). The only statistically significant relationships found were between the throw distance and the DS and between the throw distance and the Total times (p = 0.03 and p = 0.007, respectively) for the combined male data. These relationships were not particularly physically meaningful due to their small values (r = −0.31 and r =−0.38, respectively).Table 1: Mean (s.d.) distance (m) and time (s)CONCLUSION: This data suggests that while timing may be important, there are more important factors that influence the throw distance.