Swing Motion Research Articles

The effects of target distance on kinematic sequence of the short game in male collegiate golfers

ABSTRACT Golf is an international sport that has become increasingly more popular in recent times. Previous literature has shown that golf approach shots are crucial to the success of elite golfers. However, there is no known publication investigating distances less than 100 yards, known as the short game. The primary purpose of this study was to collect comprehensive data on 3D biomechanical variables of the short game at four target distances in college-aged, male golfers. Participants were instructed to hit five successful shots at each target distance: 30 yards, 50 yards, 70 yards and full swing (maximal distance) yardage. A motion capture system recorded kinematic and temporal parameters of golfer movement, additional to a golf simulator that collected ball carry distance of each shot. Distance did have a significant (p ≤ 0.05) effect on swing phase timing, angular velocities and motion sequencing. Movement sequencing within the short game displayed irregular patterns across all distances and phases, with a partial proximal-to-distal pattern (pelvis → shoulder girdle → arms → club) at best. The findings of this study show that the short game swing did present its own unique motion patterns that will require practice as its own skill.

Study on nonlinear coupled dynamic response of the integrated polar ocean nuclear energy platform

An integrated polar ocean nuclear energy platform is capable of providing adequate electrical and thermal energy essential for polar oceanic development activities. Precisely forecasting the platform's motion response within the marine environment is pivotal for the assurance of its safety. A scenario where the natural frequencies of heave, roll, and pitch of such an integrated polar ocean nuclear energy platform align closely to a 2:1:1 ratio, and when the wave frequency nearly matches the aggregate of the platform's natural heave and pitch frequencies, could induce a phenomenon known as sum-type nonlinear internal resonance. This phenomenon can significantly amplify the swing (roll or pitch) motion of the platform, posing a grave risk to both personnel and equipment onboard. Investigating these nonlinear internal resonance phenomena within the nuclear energy platform is critical for informing both the design and practical deployment of these platforms. Following the validation of the numerical simulation against experimental results, a detailed analysis of sum-type nonlinear internal resonance phenomena in the integrated polar ocean nuclear energy platform under regular wave conditions was performed using a combination of numerical simulations and nonlinear dynamics theory. It was observed that upon exceeding a certain wave height threshold, the platform enters a state of sum-type nonlinear internal resonance, engendering highly complex motion patterns. Notably, irrespective of initial conditions, this resonance triggers the roll motion of the platform, facilitating the external dissipation of energy in a half-sub-harmonic vibration manner. Increasing damping can effectively suppress the occurrence of nonlinear internal resonance phenomena in the platform. In designing the integrated polar ocean nuclear energy platform, it's crucial to avoid having the natural frequency ratios of heave, pitch, and roll align as 2:1:1. If unavoidable, adding side plates to increase damping can mitigate the effects of sum-type nonlinear internal resonance.

Development of planar 9-DOF dynamic model with small damping and natural characteristics sensitivity analysis for a double-deck vibrating flip-flow screen

The current double-deck vibrating flip-flow screen (DDVFFS) exhibits swing motion due to an unreasonable structural design, which compromises vibration stability and impacts screen frame displacement response. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the dynamic characteristics of the DDVFFS. For this reason, a 9-degree-of-freedom (DOF) dynamic model of the DDVFFS is established, and a corresponding testbed for the DDVFFS is designed. A sensitivity analysis is conducted to examine the impact of design parameters on the natural frequency and vibration mode, thereby serving as valuable guidance for the design of DDVFFS. The damping matrix in the dynamic model is determined through modal testing, while the displacement response of the testbed is obtained by solving the dynamic model. The test results from the vibration testbed demonstrate that the actual amplitude of each sieve frame closely matches the theoretical amplitude.

Unsteady Flow Behaviors and Vortex Dynamic Characteristics of a Marine Centrifugal Pump under the Swing Motion

Due to the effects of swing motion, the performances and internal flow characteristics of marine centrifugal pump undergo some unsteady variations in the marine environment. The hydraulic test system with six degree of freedom parallel motion platform is established to study the pump performance characteristics at the different heel angles of steady roll position and pitch position. The pump head gradually decreases as heel angle increases. The pump head has decreased by 7% to reach the minimum at the 15° heel angle of roll position. At the same heel angle, the head at the roll position is lower than that at the pitch position under the rated flow condition. The fluid in the impeller passage is subjected to the additional inertial force of roll motion or pitch motion under unsteady swing motion, inducing some flow bias phenomena in the velocity field. The unsteady development of flow velocity induces the intense vortex motion, and the shedding and dissipation of interblade vortices are affected. The periodic flow-induced pulsation characteristics obviously appear in the impeller passage. The pulsation periodicity and pressure amplitude are influenced due to the swing motion. The pitch motion induces the greater hydraulic excitation and fluid-induced vibration amplitude. In addition to the pressure pulsation at the low frequencies, the pulsation amplitude at 20 times the shaft frequency is evident under pitch motion.

Handling Qualities Assessment and Discussion for Helicopter with Slung Load Systems Utilizing Various Sling Configurations

Sling configurations significantly influence the coupled dynamics of the helicopter with slung load system (HSLS), resulting in alterations to handling qualities (HQs) that remain inadequately understood. This study introduces a computer-oriented, generalized method for constructing the HSLS model with various sling configurations. To evaluate the HQs of 1-point, 2-point, and 4-point sling configurations, both the stability and response criteria outlined in ADS-33E and a newly proposed criterion for slung loads towards the updated ADS-33F were employed. Modal analysis was conducted to elucidate the coupled mechanisms of the HSLS under different sling configurations. The findings reveal that the dynamics of the main rotor can attenuate the lateral swing motions of the load in the 4-point sling configuration. While multiple-point sling configurations can enhance the helicopter’s bandwidth, they also amplify the magnitude notch in the helicopter’s response. Nevertheless, when a larger hook distance is employed, the notch frequency is sufficiently distant from the load swing bandwidth, leading to a reduced degradation in HQs. A 4-point configuration with lateral and longitudinal hook distances equal to twice the width and length of the slung load is recommended in practice to achieve sufficient swing stability and mitigate HQ degradation.

Coupling vibration mechanism of multistage blisk-rotor system with blade crack

This study aims to address the issue of vibration modeling and coupling vibration mechanism analysis of multistage blisk-rotor (MBR) systems with blade cracks. First, a comprehensive coupling vibration model of the MRB system containing the flexibility of shaft and blade, the swing motion of offset blisk structure, and the nonlinear effect of blade breathing crack is developed. Then, the coupling vibration mechanism of the MRB system is systematically investigated through analytical and numerical analysis, based on which the vibration indicators for the presence of blade cracks are extracted. At last, the effects of blade crack and operating condition parameters on the coupling vibration of the MRB system are comprehensively analyzed. The comparative results indicate that the crack depth and aerodynamic force may significantly affect the crack indicators in shaft bending and torsional vibrations, while the disc unbalance mainly affects the crack indicators in shaft bending vibrations. It is also suggested that the BHM and crack detection of rotating blades should comprehensively consider different crack indicators and perform continuous condition monitoring to obtain more robust and accurate results.

Arm Swing Movements during Walking as an Early Predictor of Multiple Sclerosis Progression

Persons with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS) are at a high risk of falling, with abnormal gait pattern. The upper limbs play an important role in postural control and gait stability. The presence of arm swing changes during walking in pwMS, especially in the early period, may be an indicator of balance problems. The current study aimed to assess arm swing during walking in early MS. A total of 18 pwMS were evaluated in two time points. The first time was after their first (stable) diagnosis (pre-evaluation) and the second time was 3 months after the pre-evaluation. In addition, 10 healthy controls were evaluated once. Arm swing analysis during walking, using video recording, was applied to both groups. Additionally, the MS group performed the Two-Minute Walk Test, Timed Up and Go, and Timed 25-Foot Walk Test. The pwMS showed similar joint angles at both the first and second evaluations. Only the elbow ROM value on the least affected side was lower in pwMS than healthy controls at the second evaluation (p = 0.027). The early MS patients showed altered arm swing pattern. As walking speed and mobility scores did not change over time, the decrease in elbow amplitude over a 3-month period indicates that the arm swing may present a pattern resulting from MS-specific disorders rather than being a compensatory mechanism in walking. From the earliest stages of the disease, variations in arm swing movements during walking may be considered as a disease progression-predictor for MS.

Gait Characteristics and Development in Pediatric Populations With Visual Disorders: Where Do We Stand and Where Are We Going?

Introduction: Vision plays an important role in walking development. Understanding gait characteristics and development in infants and children with visual disorders is crucial to identify early walking impairment and promoting optimal motor performance. We aimed to identify typical gait patterns and differences between infants and children with visual disorders and their sighted peers, and how these change over time, identifying key research gaps in this area. Methods: A search of three databases identified 1,531 papers, of which eight met inclusion criteria. Results: Children who are blind showed differences in gait compared to peers with low vision or full sight. Differences were identified across age groups with slower walking, postural, head, and trunk position alterations and uncoordinated and reduced upper limb swing motions observed in children with blindness. Discussion: We identified three macro areas of interest related to gait characteristics in children with visual disorders: (1) and (2) compensation mechanisms of limbs, and (3) probing the environment. In general, children who are blind also showed the use of a wider base of support, more external rotation of the feet, and fewer steps taken per minute. There are no studies reporting gait characteristics in the early stages of walking development, scarcity of longitudinal investigations, and studies using different variables to measure gait. The lack of such evidence prevented the establishment of gait development trajectories over time in pediatric populations with visual disorders. Implications for Practitioners: This review is the first to summarize existing knowledge of gait characteristics in children with visual disorders, advancing our understanding regarding the key differences in gait patterns that are observed in this population. Information gathered in this work can help inform future studies and practitioners in this field, enhancing decision-making processes to support walking development and promoting increasing knowledge of gait progresses in infants and children with visual disorders.

Water park of the future: Monarch butterfly slide with eco-friendly design and smart water management

In this study, an innovative water park concept slide that aims to keep water consumption low was designed and produced. Traditional water parks are out of use at a rate of approximately 65% because they are inefficient in water and energy consumption. This work will be a pioneering step in the sector with the combination of environmentally friendly design, smart water management systems, and sustainable technologies. Users entering the 43% inclined butterfly body will reach a speed of 16 m/sec while performing the vertical swing movement and will move with an acceleration of 0.5m/sec2 on the horizontal axis. Since the high-pressure water coming from the nozzles on the slide will be used only when there is movement, approximately 70% water and 50% energy savings will be achieved and sliding safety will also be increased. The proposed saving system will be produced using the inverter, integrated circuit, smart card, and software developed to be added to the pump and will be adapted to all slides. The fact that this study is a first in the sector will inspire other water parks and lead to the development of projects that consider sustainability and savings issues.

Power and velocity performance of swing movement in the adolescent male volleyball players – age and positional difference

PurposeThe performance of swing movement during spikes and serves plays a crucial role in determining the outcomes of volleyball matches. This study aims to explore the effects of the participation of the trunk and lower limbs’ involvement on the velocity and power of the swing movement of adolescent male volleyball players, as well as the differences in power and velocity performance of the swing movement among different ages and specific positions.MethodsThe study involved 22 adolescent male volleyball players, with 11 high school students and 11 middle school students. The Kineo Globus equipment was used to assess the swing movement performance involving different segments, including arm swing movement only involving arm limb participation; upper swing movement involving trunk and arm limb participation; and whole body swing movement involving lower limb, trunk, and arm limb participation. The measured parameters included power and velocity performance levels. Before the test, each subject practiced three movement patterns twice.ResultsThe study found that swing movement involving both the trunk and arm limbs had significantly higher average (F = 17.70, p < 0.001) and peak power performance (F = 31.47, p < 0.001), as well as in average (F = 9.14, p = 0.03) and peak velocity performance (F = 23.17, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in average (F = 17.70; p = 0.46) and peak power (F = 31.47, p = 0.94), as well as in average (F = 9.14, p = 0.99) and peak velocity performance (F = 23.17, p = 0.90) between movements involving the whole body and those involving the trunk and upper limbs. Among different age groups, the swing movement performance of middle school athletes showed significant enhancements in both average (F = 9.20, p < 0.001) and peak power (F = 19.93, p < 0.001), as well as in average (F = 10.75, p < 0.001) and peak velocity (F = 34.35, p < 0.001) when arm swing with trunk involvement was compared to arm swing movement. High school athletes also showed significant improvements in peak velocity (F = 34.35, p < 0.001), peak power (F = 17.31, p < 0.001), and average power (F = 9.41, p < 0.001) during upper swing movements, except for average velocity performance (F = 1.56, p = 0.21), when compared to arm swing movement. The increase rate in average velocity performance of swing movements involving trunk participation was significantly higher in middle school athletes than in high school athletes (p < 0.001). Among athletes in specific positions, Middle Blocker (MB) players exhibited significantly better average power performance in swing movements involving trunk and arm limb participation compared to Outside Hitter (OH) players (p = 0.04). Furthermore, the rate of average (p = 0.01) and peak (p = 0.03) power change during upper swing movements involving lower limb participation was significantly higher among OH players than MB players.ConclusionsThe involvement of the trunk segment has been observed to significantly improve power and velocity in swing movements during spike and serves among adolescent male volleyball players. This underscores the importance of coordination between the trunk and arm in influencing swing movement performance during spikes and serves. High school athletes demonstrate superior power and velocity in arm swing movements compared to middle school athletes. MB exhibits greater power in upper limb swing movements than OH, although OH players show better coordination between the arm, trunk, and lower limb segments in the swing movement. To enhance swing movement performance in adolescent male volleyball players, particularly focusing on the trunk segment was crucial. Specialized physical training programs should target improving both arm strength and rotational power of the trunk simultaneously. This approach would help in consistently enhancing coordination between the trunk and arms, ultimately leading to optimized force generation during swing movements such as spikes and serves.

Nordic walking and arm swing asymmetry in people with Parkinson’s disease: protocol for a randomised clinical trial

People with Parkinson’s disease (PD) face disruptions in arm swing (AS) motion during walking, including a reduction in amplitude and an increase in asymmetry. Both conditions are detrimental to gait...

Kinematic criteria determining swing movement of world class dancesport athletes

PurposeThe aim of the study was to identify the distinguishing characteristics of the swing movement of the world’s top dancesport couples through kinematic variables.MethodsThe study involved six world-class and six intermediate dance couples. The couples were asked to execute three identical series of three natural turns of the figure in a Viennese Waltz, all being filmed as they danced to music. Six international experts evaluated all the trials of each couple from the point of view of the technical quality component based on the Absolute Judging System. A triaxial rotational angular velocity measurement (gyroscope) device was placed on the dorsal part of the pelvic girdle and on the posterior part of the thorax of each competitor.ResultsAn analysis of covariance demonstrated that regardless of the sports level, the maximum hip girdle angular rotation velocity in the forward swing movement performed by men was significantly related to the judging score achieved (F1,9 = 11.5; p &lt; 0.05; ηp2 = 0.45).ConclusionsThe mean squares of the differences of the hip and thoracic spine angular rotation velocity signals were found to be a good criterion for evaluating the swing movement, which is related to the judges’ evaluation. The descriptions of the performance of complex rotational movements obtained in this study can find their application in the analysis, teaching, and evaluation of dance couples. This is one of the first studies in the literature that deals in detail with swing movement in sports dance.

Modeling, Guidance, and Robust Cooperative Control of Two Quadrotors Carrying a “Y”-Shaped-Cable-Suspended Payload

This paper investigates the problem of cooperative payload delivery by two quadrotors with a novel “Y”-shaped cable that improves payload carrying and dropping efficiency. Compared with the existing “V”-shaped suspension, the proposed suspension method adds another payload swing degree of freedom to the quadrotor–payload system, making the modeling and control of such a system more challenging. In the modeling, the payload swing motion is decomposed into a forward–backward process and a lateral process, and the swing motion is then transmitted to the dynamics of the two quadrotors by converting it into disturbance cable pulling forces. A novel guidance and control framework is proposed, where a guidance law is designed to not only achieve formation transformation but also generate a local reference for the quadrotor, which does not have access to the global reference, based on which a cooperative controller is developed by incorporating an uncertainty and disturbance estimator to actively compensate for payload swing disturbance to achieve the desired formation trajectory tracking performance. A singular perturbation theory-based analysis shows that the proposed parameter mapping method, which unifies the parameter tuning of different control channels, allows us to tune a single parameter, ε, to quantitatively enhance both the formation control performance and system robustness. Simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach in different scenarios.

Robust Control of Golf Swing Robot Using Backstepping Based on Fuzzy Sliding-Mode and Super-Twisting Backstepping Sliding-Mode Algorithms

This paper focuses on trajectory tracking, robustness and stabilization of a golf swing robot which has been recently developed to simulate the ultra-high-speed swing motions of a golfer. The proposed control strategies are based on the Lyapunov stability theory and include Backstepping and Sliding-Mode Control based techniques. To attenuate the chattering phenomena caused by a discontinuous switching function and improve the dynamic response of the manipulator, a fuzzy system is used in this research; a Backstepping Sliding-Mode Controller (BSMC), a Backstepping Fuzzy Sliding-Mode Controller (BFSMC) and a Super-twisting Backstepping Sliding-Mode Controller (STBSMC) are used to evaluate the proposed hybrid controller’s BFSMC performance. The Lyapunov stability theory is used to guarantee the stability of the proposed closed-loop robot technique. Numerical simulations show the effectiveness of the proposed strategy based on the fuzzy logic mechanism under different disturbances and uncertainties.

A Self-Adaptive Planar Velocity Vector Sensor Based on Vortex-Induced Torsional Swing Motions

A Self-Adaptive Planar Velocity Vector Sensor Based on Vortex-Induced Torsional Swing Motions

Structure and function of the Si3 insertion integrated into the trigger loop/helix of cyanobacterial RNA polymerase

Cyanobacteria and evolutionarily related chloroplasts of algae and plants possess unique RNA polymerases (RNAPs) with characteristics that distinguish them from canonical bacterial RNAPs. The largest subunit of cyanobacterial RNAP (cyRNAP) is divided into two polypeptides, β'1 and β'2, and contains the largest known lineage-specific insertion domain, Si3, located in the middle of the trigger loop and spanning approximately half of the β'2 subunit. In this study, we present the X-ray crystal structure of Si3 and the cryo-EM structures of the cyRNAP transcription elongation complex plus the NusG factor with and without incoming nucleoside triphosphate (iNTP) bound at the active site. Si3 has a well-ordered and elongated shape that exceeds the length of the main body of cyRNAP, fits into cavities of cyRNAP in the absence of iNTP bound at the active site and shields the binding site of secondary channel-binding proteins such as Gre and DksA. A small transition from the trigger loop to the trigger helix upon iNTP binding results in a large swing motion of Si3; however, this transition does not affect the catalytic activity of cyRNAP due to its minimal contact with cyRNAP, NusG, or DNA. This study provides a structural framework for understanding the evolutionary significance of these features unique to cyRNAP and chloroplast RNAP and may provide insights into the molecular mechanism of transcription in specific environment of photosynthetic organisms and organelle.

A Lateral Fracture Line Affects Femoral Trochanteric Fracture Instability and Swing Motion of the Intramedullary Nail: A Biomechanical Study.

An unstable trochanteric femoral fracture is a serious injury, with a 1-year mortality rate of 5.4% to 24.9%, for which there is currently no standard treatment method. The lag screw insertion site is one of the primary contact areas between the cortical bone and an intramedullary nail. We hypothesized that a posterolateral fracture causes intramedullary nail instability when the posterolateral fracture line interferes with lag screw insertion. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of posterolateral fracture line morphology on intramedullary nail stability by simulating unstable trochanteric femoral fractures with a posterolateral fracture fragment. Eighteen custom-made synthetic osteoporotic bone samples were used in the present study. Nine samples had a posterolateral fracture line interfering with the lag screw insertion hole (Fracture A), and the other 9 had a fracture line 10 mm away from the hole (Fracture B). Cyclic loading (750 N) was applied to the femoral head 1,500 times. Movement of the end cap attached to the intramedullary nail was recorded. The amplitudes of motion in the coronal plane (coronal swing motion), sagittal plane (sagittal swing motion), and axial plane (total swing motion) were evaluated. The change in the neck-shaft angle was evaluated on photographs that were made before and after the test. Medial cortical displacement was measured before and after the test. Two Fracture-A samples were excluded because the amplitude of sagittal swing motion was too large. The mean values for coronal, sagittal, and total swing motion were 1.13 ± 0.28 mm and 0.51 ± 0.09 mm (p < 0.001), 0.50 ± 0.12 mm and 0.46 ± 0.09 mm (p = 0.46), and 1.24 ± 0.24 mm and 0.69 ± 0.11 mm (p < 0.001) for Fractures A and B, respectively. The mean neck-shaft angle change was -8.29° ± 2.69° and -3.56° ± 2.35° for Fractures A and B, respectively (p = 0.002). The mean displacement of the medial cortex was 0.38 ± 1.12 mm and 0.12 ± 0.37 mm for Fractures A and B, respectively (p = 0.57). This study showed that an unstable trochanteric femoral fracture with a posterolateral fracture line that interferes with the lag screw insertion holes is a risk factor for increased intramedullary nail instability.

Finite-Time Convergence Control for a Quadrotor Unmanned Aerial Vehicle With a Slung Load

This work investigates the control technique for a quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle with a slung load. By taking the advantage of the cascade property, a new hierarchical control scheme is designed that divides the control problem into three parts. For the attitude motion control of the quadrotor, the non-singularity terminal sliding mode based control law is proposed. For the translation motion control of the quadrotor, the super-twisting based control law is designed. Additional, for the swing attenuation of the slung load, a nonlinear anti-swing control design is provided. A Lyapunov stability analysis is presented to show the stability of the closed loop system, together with the fast convergence of the quadrotor's translational and attitude tracking, and exponential convergence of the slung load's swing motion. The real time experiments verifies the well performance of the proposed controller.

Double-Modal Locomotion of a Hydrogel Ultra-Soft Magnetic Miniature Robot with Switchable Forms.

Flexible miniature robots are expected to enter difficult-to-reach areas invivo to carry out targeted operations, attracting widespread attention. However, it is challenging for the existing soft miniature robots to substantially alter their stable shape once the structure is designed. This limitation leads to a fixed motion mode, which subsequently restricts their operating environment. In this study, we designed a biocompatible flexible miniature robot with a variable stable form that is capable of adapting to complex terrain environments through multiple movement modes. Inspired by the reversible stretching reaction of alginate saline gel stimulated by changes in environmental ion concentration, we manufactured a morphologically changeable super-soft hydrogel miniature robot body. According to the stretch and contraction shapes of the flexible hydrogel miniature robot, we designed magnetic fields for swing and rolling motion modes to realize multi-shape movement. The experimental results demonstrate that the deflection angle of the designed flexible miniature robot is reversible and can reach a maximum of 180°. The flexible miniature robot can complete forward swinging in the bar stretch state and tumbling motion in the spherical state. We anticipate that flexible hydrogel miniature robots with multiple morphologies and multimodal motion have great potential for biomedical applications in complex, unstructured, and enclosed living environments.

Biomechanical Analysis of Effect of Arm Swing Movement During Walking on Lower Limb

Biomechanical Analysis of Effect of Arm Swing Movement During Walking on Lower Limb