Discus Throwers Research Articles

COMPARISON OF ANTHROPOMETRIC MEASUREMENTS AMONG THE DIFFERENT GROUPS OF THE THROWERS

The present study was conducted to evaluate and compare the anthropometric measurements among the different groups of throwers. 40 (10 javelin throwers, 10 discus throwers, 10 hammer throwers, 10 shot putters) male university level throwers were assessed during the All India Inter University Athletic Meet. The age of athletes was between 18 to 25 years. All the athletes were measured for height, weight, lengths of body parts, diameters of body parts and circumferences of body parts. One-way ANOVA revealed that the significant differences were reported in height (p<0.05), weight (p<0.05), length measurements (p<0.05), diameters of body parts (p<0.05) and circumferences of the body parts (p<0.05) among the different groups of throwers. Post-hoc analysis revealed that discus throwers were the tallest among the throwers. In the same way, the discus throwers had highest diameters among different groups of throwers. The shot putters had highest weight and circumferences among the different groups of throwers. Article visualizations:

Kinematical Comparison Analysis on the Discus Athletes Throwing Techniques Based on Data Project

In the discus final site of throwing event series game of China’s track and field sport in April, 2015, three dimensional camera analytical method which is an application of kinematical data project was used on female discus athletes’ discus throwing technology. And analysis was made for the top four discus throwers’ last exertion action, related kinematics parameter was thus obtained. Analysis results show that: first, Lu Xiaoxin behaves better in body twist tight effect when it is left foot on the ground and in capacity of beyond devices, followed by Su Xinyue and Tan Jian, with Feng Bin relatively weaker; second, our athletes’ discus shots speed is to be upgraded compared with world excellent female discus athletes; third, discus is left slightly earlier, with Tan Jian throwing in a reasonable angle, Feng Bin, Lu Xiaoxin in a larger angle, and Sue Xinyue in a smaller angle. Feng bin has a higher height of release, followed by Lu Xiaoxin and Tan jian.

Differences of Physique and Physical Fitness among Male South Korean Elite National Track and Field Athletes

The aim of this study was to provide a detailed comparison of physique and physical fitness differences among Track and Field groups. The male athletes participating in this study consisted only of South Korean national track and field athletes. The Korean national athletes were divided into four groups (long-distance runner, sprinter, jumper, thrower). The long-distance runner group (n=7) consisted of three male marathoners and four male race walkers. The sprinter group (n=7) consisted of five male 100m athletes and two male hurdlers. The jumper group (n= 7) consisted of 2 male high jumpers, 2 male long jumpers, and 3 male pole vault athletes. The thrower group (n=8) consisted of 2 male shot put athletes, two male javelin throwers, 2 male discus throwers and 2 male hammer throwers. This study was designed to investigate the effects of physique (height, weight), muscular strength (grip strength), muscular endurance (push-ups, sit-ups), agility (side step), power (vertical jump), cardiopulmonary endurance (maximal oxygen uptake, Anaerobic Threshold %VO2max, rest heart rate), and flexibility (sit and reach). A one-way ANOVA was performed for the mean difference test among track and field athlete groups. A post hoc test method was conducted through the Scheffe Test. The results are as follows. The thrower athlete group showed significantly better results in weight, muscular strength (grip power) than the sprinter athlete group, long-distance runner group and the jumper athlete group. The long-distance runner group showed significantly better result in VO2max and AT (Anaerobic Threshold) than the sprinter group, thrower group and the jumper group. The sprinter group showed significantly better results in power (vertical jump) than the other three groups. There was no significant difference among the groups in the results for muscular endurance (push-up, sit-up), flexibility (sit and reach) and agility (side steps). In conclusion, the South Korean national long-distance runner group (VO2max: 72.6ml/kg/min, ATVO2max: 54ml/kg/min) was superior to the other three groups in cardiovascular endurance. The sprinter's group (vertical jump: 63.1cm) was superior to the other three groups in power. The thrower group (weight: 97kg, grip strength: 81kg) was superior to the other three groups in muscular strength and was heavier than the other groups. Korean national track & field athletes showed the characteristics of cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, and power in a detailed analysis of items. No differences were found in muscular endurance, flexibility, and agility. Differences in physique and physical fitness among detail event groups of Korean national athletes were in accordance with previous studies. In future studies, the sample size should be increased to improve the reliability and validity of the study results.

A F44 Paralympic Track and Field Discus Thrower

HISTORY: A 28 year old Paralympic track and field athlete presented for physical therapy evaluation. The athlete’s history was positive for a congenital absence of the right fibula, resulting in a below the knee amputation at age two. However, at the time of the evaluation, he was asymptomatic, participated in daily training activities, and regularly competed in meets at the world-class level. PHYSICAL EXAMINATION: The athlete demonstrated the following postural traits: forward head; forward, internally rotated shoulders bilaterally; decreased thoracic and lumbar curves; and anterior pelvic tilt. He demonstrated decreased active and passive range of motion in many of the muscles in his lower extremities, as well as asymmetries measured between legs. While manual muscle testing was 5/5 throughout, he demonstrated a delayed recruitment of the gluteals/hamstring dominance bilaterally. The athlete was unremarkable in neurological and soft tissue assessment. He demonstrated a “poor” capacity to maintain lower extremity symmetry while squatting to moderate depth, as well as marked asymmetry in numerous measures of single leg athletic function. DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS: 1. Musculoskeletal imbalances TEST AND RESULTS: 1. Abnormalities in lower quarter muscle length and function. 2. Asymmetrical performance in numerous tests of single leg athletic function. FINAL WORKING DIAGNOSIS: Chronic musculoskeletal imbalances due to congenital deformity and compounded by repetitive athletic activity. TREATMENT AND OUTCOMES: Many throwing athletes sustain musculoskeletal or nervous injuries due to repetitive microtrauma to these tissues. Paralympic throwers are at greater risk of such injuries, due partly to the chronic effects of asymmetrical biomechanical demands. The physical therapist evaluated this athlete, identifying musculoskeletal imbalances and prescribing therapeutic exercises to address these limitations. The throwing coach integrated these prescribed activities into the athlete’s annual training program so as to foster his power development in an injury-free manner. This case report highlights a cooperative relationship between sports medicine and coaching professionals that assisted a Paralympian in peaking for the 2016 Rio Games.

Angular Momentum Comparison of Two Collegiate Discus Throwers of Different Skill Level

The discus throw is a highly technical event that requires the athlete to perform a sequence of high-speed movements to maximize throw distance. Previous research has demonstrated that release velocity in the horizontal and vertical directions are crucial to throw distance. It has also been shown that angular momentum about the vertical axis (Z AngMom) contributes to horizontal release velocity while angular momentum about the sagittal axis (Y AngMom) contributes to vertical release velocity. However, little research exists on angular momentum differences between throwers of different skill levels. PURPOSE: To determine the differences in angular momentum between two collegiate discus throwers of different skill level. METHODS: Two male athletes performed two throws in a laboratory setting. Whole-body kinematics were recorded from 59 retro-reflective markers using a 14-camera motion capture system. Whole-body angular momentum was calculated about the vertical (Z) and sagittal (Y) axes. Maximum angular momentum and angular momentum at release were recorded. Percent differences in Z AngMom and Y AngMom between throwers were calculated. RESULTS: Subject A (190 cm; 125.6 kg) has thrown a personal best of 63.38 m and is a former NCAA national champion. Subject B (190.5 cm; 110.3 kg) has thrown a personal best of 57.93 m and failed to qualify for post-season competition. Maximum Z AngMom occurred early during the first single-support phase and was 11.7% greater for Subject B (79.79 ± 0.96 vs. 71.79 ± 1.22 kg*m2*s-1). However, at the point of release, Subject A had 28.8% greater Z AngMom (65.80 ± 0.67 vs. 49.26 ± 0.08 kg*m2*s-1). Maximum Y AngMom occured late during the delivery phase and was 43.2% greater for Subject A (-38.33 ± 2.95 vs. -24.71 ± 0.53 kg*m2*s-1). At the point of release, Subject A had 166.6% greater Y AngMom (-23.59 ± 1.97 vs. -2.15 ± 2.31 kg*m2*s-1). CONCLUSION: Subject A achieved greater Z and Y AngMom at release which likely contributes to a greater throw distance. Subject B achieved a greater maximum Z AngMom than Subject A, but was unable to maintain high Z AngMom and Y AngMom at release. The results of this investigation showed that the elite athlete was able to maintain high levels of angular momentum throughout the throw, whereas the other athlete had a significant loss of angular momentum at release.

국제 육상투척 경기대회 여자 원반던지기 선수들의 투사거리에 미치는 운동학적 분석

This research aims to recommend desirable performance enhancement training methods for discus throw to instructors. To accomplish this, we analyzed parameters that may affect the kinematic element of techniques and projection distances of throws by female discus throwers who participated in Mokpo International Athletics Throwing Meeting. We additionally aim to provide scientific baseline data in training process, based on quantitative results. The conclusions are as follows. Based on thee lapsed times per sector, player Insceng was the fastest with 1.167 sec, while player Jungyerim was the slowest with 1.750 sec. In terms of the vertical displacement of the center of the gravity in each situation, player Insceng produced the highest vertical displacemen t increase of 4.49 cm, in sector 1 (E1–E2), compared to the other Korean players, while producing the smallest increase of 5.57 cm, in sector 4 (E4–E5). Insceng from Taiwan produced the highest discus projection height of 146 cm and the highest speed of 38.21 m/sec. at the point of discus release. In terms of twist angles of the body, Insceng produced the smallest angles of 144.08° and -80.55° at points E1 and E4, respectively, while displaying the smallest front and rear inclination angles of 7.149°, 60.36°, and 53.76° at points E2, E3, and E4 , respectively. There was a little difference in the horizontal, front, and rear trajectories of the discuses between player Insceng and the Korean players.

Acute Effect of Countermovement Jumping on Throwing Performance in Track and Field Athletes During Competition.

Karampatsos, GP, Korfiatis, PG, Zaras, ND, Georgiadis, GV, and Terzis, GD. Acute effect of countermovement jumping on throwing performance in track and field athletes during competition. J Strength Cond Res 32(1): 359-364, 2017-The purpose of the study was to investigate whether performing 3 consecutive countermovement jumps (CMJs) just before an attempt enhances performance in track and field throwers during competition. Twelve shot putters, 8 hammer throwers, 9 discus throwers, and 3 javelin throwers of both sexes participated in the study. They performed 3 maximal CMJs 85 ± 12 seconds before the second, fourth, and sixth attempt during 3 different official competitions of national level. Maximal strength (1 repetition maximum [1RM]) in squat and bench press was measured 1 week after the competition. Mean throwing performance was significantly higher after the CMJs intervention (2.66 ± 4.3%, range of increase 0.02-18.98%, p = 0.0001). Similarly, maximum throwing performance was significantly higher after the CMJs (2.76 ± 3.29%, range of increase 0.09-13.93%, p = 0.0009). All but 2 athletes increased their best performance after the CMJs. The percentage increase in performance was similar between sexes (male athletes 2.56 ± 3.01%; female athletes 3.06 ± 3.76%, p = 0.677), but it was higher for the "lighter throws" (discus and javelin throw: 4.66 ± 4.11%) compared with the "heavier throws" (shot and hammer throw: 1.62 ± 2.04%, p = 0.008). The percentage increase in performance was not significantly correlated with 1RM squat or bench press, anthropometric characteristics, and personal best performance. These results suggest that performing 3 CMJs approximately 1 minute before an attempt may increase track and field throwing performance during competition.

Differences in life expectancy between olympic high jumpers, discus throwers, marathon and 100 meter runners

BackgroundSeveral studies have demonstrated that body habitus is associated with survival (life expectancy) time. We sought to determine if survival differed between elite athletes with a range of body types. We hypothesized that the survival would differ between athlete types and that ectomorph athletes would have longer survival than heavier athletes.MethodsFor each Olympics between 1928 and 1948 we identified the top (up to 20) Olympic male and female finishers in the high jump (HJ), discus throw, marathon, and 100-m run. We determined date of death using internet searches and calculated age-specific expected survival using published US life tables. We adjusted life expectancy for country of origin based on Global Burden of Disease data.ResultsWe identified a death date for 336 of 429 (78%) Olympic athletes including 229 males (55 marathon, 56 100-m 58 high jump, 60 discus), and 107 females (54 100-m, 25 high jump, 28 discus). Discus throwers were heaviest and marathon runners the lightest and oldest athletes (p < 0.01). Observed-expected survival was highest for high jumpers (7.1 years for women, 3.7 years for men) and marathon runners (4.7 years for men) and lowest for sprinters (−1.6 years for women and −0.9 years for men). In multivariate analysis controlling for age and gender, type of sport remained significantly associated with mortality with greatest survival for high jumpers and marathon runners compared to discus throwers and sprinters (p = 0.005). Controlling for weight, reduced the survival benefit of high jumpers over discus throwers, but had little effect on the survival benefit of marathon runners vs. sprinters.ConclusionSignificant differences in long term survival exist for different types of track and field Olympic athletes that were explained in part by weight.

Effect of Functional Exercises on Some Components of Somatic Composition and Response of the Immune System in Discus Throwers

The objective of this research was to establish a suggested training program by using functional exercises and to know the effect of such program on some components of somatic composition (percentage of body fat, mass of fatty cells, mass of non-fatty cells, body mass index, and total mass of body water) and the response of the immune system through such variables as function of the response of the immune system and those were (basophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, neutrophil and eosinophil) and the numerical level of discus throwers in the research sample. The researcher applied the experimental method to a sample of (7) competitors of athletics specialization at Sports Secondary School, Zagazig in 2013/2014 academic year by applying the suggested training program for (10) weeks to the research sample. The results showed that functional exercises had significantly positive effect on some components of somatic composition viz. percentage of body fat, mass of fatty cells, mass of non-fatty cells, body mass index and total mass of body water in the research sample individuals. Also, the functional exercises had significantly positive effect on the numerical level of discus throwers in the research sample as well as having significantly positive effect on variables as function of the response of the immune system viz. basophil, lymphocyte, monocyte and eosinophil in the research sample individuals. Moreover, the functional exercises led to percentage of improvement in the level of the lymphocyte variable; however, this improvement was non-significant in the research sample individuals. The researcher recommended the importance of using the functional exercises for their positive effect on some components of somatic composition and the response of the immune system in discus throwers.

FEATURES OF SPORTS PERFORMANCE RELATED INJURIES OF ELITE TRACK AND FIELD ATHLETES IN LITHUANIA

Background. Sports injuries have a huge impact on performance of athletes in competitions. A lot of athletes do not obtain full recovery after injuries, which leads to trauma recurrence or higher severity injuries. Being aware of dominating anatomical regions and frequencies of occurrence of these traumas could help to prevent it and to protect athletes’ health. Methods. In 2013 Lithuanian professional athletes were asked to fill in questionnaires developed by using standardized methodology validated by the IOC and implemented by the IAAF during international track and field competitions. Data were collected, processed and analysed. Results were obtained using statistical methods, significance level of p ≤ .05 was considered statistically significant. Results. We investigated 33 athletes- sprinters and throwers (javelin and discus throwers, shot putters). They had 57 cases of traumatic injuries in one year period (2012–2013). Results of the study showed that injuries of lower extremity statistically significantly dominated comparing with upper extremity and head/trunk in both fields of sport. Injuries by anatomical region were: lower extremity – 67%, upper extremity – 12%, head and trunk – 21%. Most of all were injured: hamstrings 23%, inguinal 10.5%, lumbar 13% area. Comparing traumas between throwers and sprinters groups lower extremity injuries statistically significantly dominated in sprinters group, while upper extremity had been injured only in the throwers’ group. Analysing severity of the injuries we noticed that moderate and mild injuries were dominating. Mild and moderate severity injuries appeared leading to a higher risk of re-injury than high severity traumas. Recurrence of the same injury was noticed only in the group of sprinters – 57.9% of sprinters repeatedly suffered mostly from hamstring and inguinal traumas. Conclusions. According to the results of this study, sports medicine physicians could predict potential localization and recurrence of injuries and collaborating with coaches and athletes prepare opportune training programs to avoid harm.

Radiology's Decathlete: The Generalist

Ashton Eaton is the world record holder in the decathlon, having won gold for the United States at the 2012 London Olympic Games. Like many decathletes before, he is not the fastest sprinter, longest or highest jumper, strongest shot putter or discus thrower, greatest hurdler or vaulter, or best distance runner. But as a total package, competing in all 10 events over 2 days, he performs at a higher level than any athlete in history. Emergency Radiologists: At the Crossroads of Specialty and General RadiologyJournal of the American College of RadiologyVol. 12Issue 2PreviewWe read with interest the opinion piece “Radiology’s Decathlete: The Generalist” [1], which extolled the virtues of general radiologists. It should be noted that many of the advantages of the role of the general radiologist are embodied by practitioners of the growing field of emergency radiology. Whether fellowship trained in emergency radiology or in one of the other traditional radiology specialties, practicing emergency radiologists are usually the most experienced and expert in the evaluation of trauma and many other emergency conditions in patients of all ages [2]. Full-Text PDF

Using Sport Science to Improve Coaching: A Case Study of Paralympic Track and Field F44 Discus Throw Gold Medalist Jeremy Campbell

The discus throw is a complex track and field event combining linear and angular motion. Success in the discus throw necessitates being strong and explosive; but due to the complexity of the event, throwers must be technically sound. The basic throwing technique employed by all discus throwers is similar, but variations are present due to anthropometrics, physical abilities, training, and error influences. Working with a Paralympic discus thrower, that has a physical disability, is a unique coaching challenge that makes it important to individualize the technical model to meet the physical abilities of the athlete.

Performance of elite seated discus throwers in F30s classes

Studies on the relationship between performance and design of the throwing frame have been limited. Part I provided only a description of the whole body positioning. The specific objectives were (a) to benchmark feet positioning characteristics (i.e. position, spacing and orientation) and (b) to investigate the relationship between performance and these characteristics for male seated discus throwers in F30s classes. Descriptive analysis. A total of 48 attempts performed by 12 stationary discus throwers in F33 and F34 classes during seated discus throwing event of 2002 International Paralympic Committee Athletics World Championships were analysed in this study. Feet positioning was characterised by tridimensional data of the front and back feet position as well as spacing and orientation corresponding to the distance between and the angle made by both feet, respectively. Only 4 of 30 feet positioning characteristics presented a coefficient correlation superior to 0.5, including the feet spacing on mediolateral and anteroposterior axes in F34 class as well as the back foot position and feet spacing on mediolateral axis in F33 class. This study provided key information for a better understanding of the interaction between throwing technique of elite seated throwers and their throwing frame. This study aimed at improving the understanding of the relationship between performance and the design of the throwing frame of seated discus throwers, with a particular emphasis on the importance of feet positioning. This knowledge is particularly important in the current debate around general principles underlying design of throwing frame and classification of athletes with a disability, including those with lower limb amputation.

Performance of elite seated discus throwers in F30s classes

Studies on the relationship between performance and design of the throwing frame have been limited and therefore require further investigation. The specific objectives were to provide benchmark information about performance and whole body positioning of male athletes in F30s classes. Descriptive analysis. A total of 48 attempts performed by 12 stationary discus throwers in F33 and F34 classes during seated discus throwing event of 2002 International Paralympic Committee Athletics World Championships were analysed in this study. The whole body positioning included overall throwing posture (i.e. number of points of contact between the thrower and the frame, body position, throwing orientation and throwing side) and lower limb placements (i.e. seating arrangements, points of contact on the both feet, type of attachment of both legs and feet). Three (25%), five (42%), one (8%) and three (25%) athletes used from three to six points of contact, respectively. Seven (58%) and five (42%) athletes threw from a standing or a seated position, respectively. A straddle, a stool or a chair was used by six (50%), four (33%) or two (17%) throwers, respectively. This study provides key information for a better understanding of the interaction between throwing technique of elite seated throwers and their throwing frame. Clinical relevance This study aimed at improving the understanding of the relationship between athletic performance and the design of the throwing frame for seated discus throwers, with a particular emphasis on the description of whole body positioning. This knowledge is particularly important in the current debate around general principles underlying the design of throwing frames and classification of athletes with a disability, including those with lower limb amputation.

The relationships between technique variability and performance in discus throwing

Discus throwing performance is associated with technique variables. However, the relationships between technique variability and performance in discus throwing are unknown. Video clips of three throws each by 18 male and 15 female discus throwers were collected during a competition. Two-dimensional coordinate data were manually digitised and transferred into three-dimensional coordinates of body landmarks. Eight joint angles were calculated and their values were time-normalised to 101 frames from the initiation to the end of a throw. The mean standard deviations of 101 frames for eight joint angles among the three throws were calculated as the variability measurement. The best official distance of three throws was used as the performance measurement. For male throwers, the canonical correlations between technique variability and performance were significant (P < 0.1). Pearson correlations showed that the performance was significantly negatively correlated with the mean standard deviations of arm-shoulder separation angle (r = −0.57, P = 0.02), hip-shoulder separation angle (r = −0.63, P < 0.01), left hip flexion angle (r = −0.5, P = 0.03), and trunk forward-backward tilt angle (r = −0.57, P = 0.02). For female throwers, the canonical correlations between technique variability and performance were not significant (P > 0.1). Male discus throwers with a longer throwing distance had smaller variability in reproducing techniques. Reducing motion variability may be an important goal for discus training in males.

Biomechanical Analysis of Top Discus Throwers Performance in Egypt

The purpose of the presented study is to determine the specific kinematical changes related to discus throw during each phase of performance and comparing it with the specific kinematical variables in each phase in the national champion with elite athletes. a biomechanical analysis was performed on the first place thrower ( Omar el gazaly ) at the national champion of Egypt 2011 (64.74 m), which is the 4th place during world cup champion 2006, and the first place in the African champion 2006, (PB 66.58m in 2007). All trails of the subject were recorded, but a kinematical analysis was established for the best three trails. Two video cameras ( DCR-SR68 SONY) 60 FPS were focused on the circle, one camera took the thrower from the side of his throwing Arm ( right handed ) and the second one took his rear view related to the direction of throw. Both views covered a width of 5 m related to the center of the circle, and the analysis was performed by DARTFISH TEAM PRO 4 software program. The results show that, the delivery phase time of the subject was 0.18 sec during his best trail, which was 20 % of the total performance time, the discus resultant velocity was 25.4 m/s and the flight time was 0.08 sec during the three trails, and that was about 9-11 % of total performance time. the average angle of release in three trails was about (34.4˚). the height of release in the best trail was 1.76 m. the total performance time of three trails was 0.880 sec but his phases time characteristics were different.

Temporal analysis of elite men’s discus throwing technique

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the duration of the throw and the official throwing distance in a group of elite male discus throwers. The time analysis of the technique phases (i.e. preparation, entry, flight, transition, delivery, release) of the participants in a top international athletics competition was used in order to conduct the study. Data were retrieved after recording seven right-handed throwers (age: 28.8 ± 4.1 years, body height: 1.94 ± 0.09 m, body mass: 119.4 ± 11.6 kg) with a Casio EX-FX1 (Casio Computer Co. Ltd) digital video camera (sampling frequency: 300fps) and analyzing the captured throws with the V1 Home 2.02.54 software (Interactive Frontiers Inc.). The relationships among the duration of the technique phases of the throw and the official throwing distance were examined with Pearson Correlation Analysis using the SPSS 10.0.1 software (SPSS Inc.). Results revealed that no significant correlation (p > 0.05) existed among the average official throwing distance (63.04 ± 6.09 m) and the duration of the discus throw or the duration of each technique phase. The temporal and correlation analyses were in agreement with previous studies. The dominant style of release was the release with no support on the ground. The majority of the throwers spent a larger percentage of the delivery turn (transition, delivery and release phases) being in single than in double support. It was noted that a short duration of the transition phase, combined with lower values of the ratio of the time spent for the starting turn compared to the time spent for the delivery turn might be favorable regarding the achievement of a larger throwing distance.

Ancient Patterns of the Sporting Body

Ancient Patterns of the Sporting BodyIn the world of ancient culture you can find images of corporeality which may be recognised as patterns of the sporting body. They come from Greek sculpture and vase painting. Among the preserved Greek cultural artefacts there can be pointed out three examples of patterns of male corporeality and one example of female corporeality connected with the world of sport. These are Polyclitus's sculptures "Doryphorus" and "Diadoumenos", Myron's sculpture "Discus Thrower", Lysippus's sculpture of "Heracles Farnese" and painting presenting Atalanta. They constitute ancient patterns of the sporting body, which are recognisable in the world of the European culture from the age of Renaissance to the 20th century. Each of those cultural artefacts points out to separate aspects of the world of sport: Polyclitus's sculptures are pictures of beauty of the body, Myron's sculpture expresses sporting movement, Lysippus's sculpture symbolises power and the figure of Atalanta is the first gender pattern in the world of sport. Ancient patterns of the sporting body perform functions of cultural archetypes in the contemporary world of sport. The contemporary sporting body is a corporeal form which is perceived and interpreted through the prism of the symbolic layer of ancient images of corporeal forms. A part of those corporeal patters has lost in European culture their sporting references, which were visible for Greek civilization. It refers to Polyclitus's sculptures and the figure of Atalanta, which was provided by Renaissance and Baroque art with a different semantic context. Research into cultural aspects of sport requires reconstruction of their sporting genealogy making it possible to construct wider interpretative contexts of contemporary corporeality. The notion of the "archetype of the sporting body" in European culture is enriched with a differentiated objective layer, which is composed of ancient patters of the sporting body encountered in social consciousness of the world of European art.

Individualized optimal release angles in discus throwing

The purpose of this study was to determine individualized optimal release angles for elite discus throwers. Three-dimensional coordinate data were obtained for at least 10 competitive trials for each subject. Regression relationships between release speed and release angle, and between aerodynamic distance and release angle were determined for each subject. These relationships were linear with subject–specific characteristics. The subject–specific relationships between release speed and release angle may be due to subjects’ technical and physical characteristics. The subject–specific relationships between aerodynamic distance and release angle may be due to interactions between the release angle, the angle of attack, and the aerodynamic distance. Optimal release angles were estimated for each subject using the regression relationships and equations of projectile motion. The estimated optimal release angle was different for different subjects, and ranged from 35° to 44°. The results of this study demonstrate that the optimal release angle for discus throwing is thrower-specific. The release angles used by elite discus throwers in competition are not necessarily optimal for all discus throwers, or even themselves. The results of this study provide significant information for understanding the biomechanics of discus throwing techniques.

Neck Pain In A Discus Thrower

HISTORY: A 20yo female collegiate discus thrower with acute onset of shooting pain in her left neck when she abruptly extends her neck and turns it to the left. She develops simultaneous numbness on her left tongue and face. She has difficulty speaking transiently. Episodes last 20 to 30 seconds. They are followed by a left-sided headache which lasts all day. It is a shooting sensation radiating up from the neck and "feels like getting hit in the funny bone." The athlete denies any weakness or sensation deficits in extremities, seizures, dizziness, or visual changes. Symptoms began in high school but have increased in severity since she joined the collegiate discus team. Family history is negative. Negative review of systems. PHYSICAL EXAMINATION: Full range of motion in neck, with significant hyperextension. No C-spine tenderness. Negative bilateral Spurling's. Cranial nerves intact. Speech within normal limits. Sensation intact to pinprick. Normal pupillary and funduscopic exams. Reflexes are 2+ and strength 5/5 in all extremities. Coordination intact. Normal gait. Negative Rhomberg's. No clonus. Negative bilateral Babinski. DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS: Vascular insufficiency/occlusion. Transient ischemia to isolated cranial nerves. Mass compressing cranial/ cervical nerves. Nerve compression from disc hernition or spinal stenosis. TEST AND RESULTS: Laboratory testing - Normal complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, comprehensive metabolic panel, thyroid simulating hormone. Negative anti-nuclear antibody (<1:40) and rheumatoid factor (<17). C-spine X-rays - Mild reversal of the normal cervical lordosis. 2-3mm anterolistheses of all cervical bodies C2-C6 with neck flexion, which revert to mild retrolistheses with extension. No spinal stenosis or degenerative disease. There is mild instability throughout the cervical spine. C-spine MRI - No cervical mass, disc herniation, spinal stenosis, or neuroforaminal narrowing. Brain MRI with contrast - Negative. FINAL WORKING DIAGNOSIS: Neck-Tongue Syndrome TREATMENT AND OUTCOMES: 1. Neck strengthening and postural training to stabilize neck. 2. Patient declines acetaminophen and NSAIDs. 3. She stops discus throwing without specific plans to resume it. 4. Referred to a spine surgeon. 5, Continues to follow-up with her neurologist.