Triple Jump Research Articles

Influence of training background on the relationships between plantarflexor intrinsic stiffness and overall musculoskeletal stiffness during hopping

The aim of this study was to characterize the influence of intrinsic musculotendinous and musculoarticular stiffness of plantarflexor muscles on (1) the overall musculoskeletal stiffness and (2) the performance during stretch-shortening cycles-type exercise. The influence of plyometric training background on these relationships was also analyzed. Musculotendinous (SIMT), passive (KP) and active (SIMA) musculoarticular stiffnesses were quantified, using quick-release and sinusoidal perturbation tests, on nine French elite long or triple jumpers (athlete group, AG) and nine control subjects (CG). These ergometric parameters were related with the lower-limb stiffness (Kleg) and the maximal performance (Hmax) measured from a force platform during vertical hopping. AG showed a significantly higher SIMT (2.76 rad(-1)), KP (55.6 N m rad(-1)), Kleg (30.3 kN m(-1)) and Hmax (0.48 m) compared to CG (1.83 rad(-1), 37.8 N m rad(-1), 19.6 kN m(-1) and 0.38 m, respectively). Kleg was not significantly correlated with any of the intrinsic stiffness parameters (SIMT, SIMA or KP). For AG, a strong and negative correlation was observed between Hmax and Kleg. These data indicate that, while elite jumpers presented higher stiffness of both musculotendinous and passive musculoarticular structures, a high compliance of musculoskeletal system was beneficial to optimize the performance in vertical hopping for these athletes. We suggested that neuromuscular strategies were designed to counterbalance this higher intrinsic stiffness to solve the problem of the conflicting requirement of the musculotendinous elements: increase in compliance to enhance the elastic recoil and increase in stiffness for a better force transmission to the periphery.

Coordination variability and skill development in expert triple jumpers

The aim of this study was to examine the influence of skill of expert triple jumpers on the coordination variability of lower extremity intra-limb couplings. In contrast to the traditional motor learning perspective, we hypothesized that as skill and thus performance increases, movement coordination variability will also increase. Three-dimensional kinematic and ground reaction force data were collected during the hop–step transition phase of the triple jump. Relative motion plots and a modified vector coding technique were used to quantify the coordination variability across the trials. The results were consistent with a U-shaped curve, representing coordination variability, as skill increases. The high coordination variability in less skilled athletes is present while the appropriate characteristics defining the movement coordination patterns are acquired. This coordination variability may not be beneficial to performance. As the refinement of these characteristics is achieved, coordination variability decreases, resulting in a more consistent or regulated performance. In the final stages of developing a skilled performance, a functional variability is accessed that brings flexibility to the system allowing it to cope with perturbations. This study highlights the need to address the learning effect when analysing coordination variability from a dynamical systems perspective.

Human action recognition in videos based on the Transferable Belief Model

This paper focuses on human behavior recognition where the main problem is to bridge the semantic gap between the analogue observations of the real world and the symbolic world of human interpretation. For that, a fusion architecture based on the Transferable Belief Model framework is proposed and applied to action recognition of an athlete in video sequences of athletics meeting with moving camera. Relevant features are extracted from videos, based on both the camera motion analysis and the tracking of particular points on the athlete’s silhouette. Some models of interpretation are used to link the numerical features to the symbols to be recognized, which are running, jumping and falling actions. A Temporal Belief Filter is then used to improve the robustness of action recognition. The proposed approach demonstrates good performance when tested on real videos of athletics sports videos (high jumps, pole vaults, triple jumps and long jumps) acquired by a moving camera and different view angles. The proposed system is also compared to Bayesian Networks.

Reliability of Performance Score

In 2001, the International Federation of Athletics Associations (IAAF) proposed new rules to reduce competition time and thus improve TV coverage opportunities of the IAAF Grand Prix series. The new proposals included a reduction in the number of attempts for the Triple Jump (TJ). Though this provision has not been considered for the Olympic Games and World Championships level, it raises the issue of the ideal number of attempts during competition to achieve reliable TJ scores by athletes. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability of TJ scores during competition. MEHTODS: Data from 79 triple jumpers for the Olympic Games in 2000 and 2004 were used in this study. In the preliminary round, each jumper is allowed up to 3 attempts to achieve the maximum distance. Reliability was calculated using the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) from a one-way ANOVA model, and the best score was used as the criterion score in the ICC calculation. The Spearman-Brown prophecy formula was used to identify the minimum numbers of attempts needed to obtain reliable TJ scores. RESULTS: The ICC of TJ scores with three attempts has a value of .39, which indicates low TJ score reliability. According to the Spearman-Brown prophecy formula, at least seven attempts of TJ (ICC = .81) would be necessary to achieve an acceptable reliability coefficient of .80. DISCUSSION: At the Championship level the selection of finalists for TJ competitions is based on their single best jump in the preliminary competitions. A limited number of attempts reduces the score reliability. The addition of trials would benefit the TJ scores to be more reliable thus ensuring a higher quality field of finalists. The results obtained from the Spearman-Brown formula, however, need to be taken lightly because the formula takes into consideration the average of all the trial scores, not the best single score, which results in slight overestimation of ICC.

Aktuelle Lehr-, Lern- und Prüfungsmethoden in der medizinischen Ausbildung und ihre Anwendungsmöglichkeiten für die Rehabilitation

With introduction of the new Federal Medical Licensing Regulations (Approbationsordnung) in Germany, integrated teaching in "Rehabilitation, Physical Medicine, Naturopathic Treatment" (Querschnittsbereich Q12) has become obligatory for the first time. Furthermore, the new Regulations require the medical faculties in Germany to realize an innovative didactic orientation in teaching. This paper provides an overview of recent applications of teaching techniques and examination methods in medical education with special consideration of the new integrated course Q12 and further teaching methods related to rehabilitative issues. Problem-oriented learning (POL), problem-based learning (PBL), bedside teaching, eLearning, and the examination methods Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) and Triple Jump are in the focus. This overview is intended as the basis for subsequent publications of the Commission for Undergraduate and Postgraduate Training of the German Society of Rehabilitation Science (DGRW), which will present examples of innovative teaching material.

Student perspectives of assessment by TEMM model in physiology

Assessment is the process by which the teacher and the student gain knowledge about student progress. Assessment systems should aim at evaluating the desired learning outcomes. In Melaka Manipal Medical College, (Manipal Campus), Manipal, India, the TEMM model (consisting of 4 assessment methods: Triple Jump Test, essay incorporating critical thinking questions, Multistation Integrated Practical Examination, and multiple choice questions) was introduced to 30 refresher students in the fourth block of the academic year. At the end of the block, a questionnaire was distributed to ask the students to rank the different assessments in the order of their preference with respect to seven items. Analysis of the results showed that not a single type of assessment was ranked highest for all the seven items, proving the earlier observation that a single assessment does not fulfill all aspects of assessment and that there is a need for an evaluating system with multiple ways of assessment.

Simplified approach to double jumps for fluorescing dipole-dipole interacting atoms

A simplified scheme for the investigation of cooperative effects in the quantum jump statistics of small numbers of fluorescing atoms and ions in a trap is presented. It allows the analytic treatment of three dipole-dipole interacting four-level systems which model the relevant level scheme of Ba+ ions. For the latter, a huge rate of double and triple jumps was reported in a former experiment and the huge rate was attributed to the dipole-dipole interaction. Our theoretical results show that the effect of the dipole-dipole interaction on these rates is at most 5% and that for the parameter values of the experiment there is practically no effect. Consequently it seems that the dipole-dipole interaction can be ruled out as a possible explanation for the huge rates reported in the experiment.

The effect of curricula approaches to the development of the student’s clinical reasoning ability

A comparative analysis was undertaken using descriptive and cross sectional survey design, to explore the effect of Problem Based Learning and Traditional approach on the development of clinical reasoning abilities of nursing students. Using quota sampling, a sample of 87 subjects was used from two University Nursing Departments, each using these curricula approaches. Students from their first, second and fourth year were interviewed, using the Triple Jump Exercise as an instrument to collect data. Data analysis using the SAS computer software package was employed to obtain both descriptive and statistical summarizations. Though descriptive analysis of the scores of clinical reasoning showed a slight difference between the two curricular approaches, this was not confirmed statistically as the two factor ANOVA and Tukey's methods revealed no significant differences by approaches. The only significant difference was revealed between the students' levels of study with senior levels (4th years) outperforming their juniors. These findings therefore conclude that, students using Problem Based Learning and Traditional approach perform on a similar level in clinical reasoning.

Bone Mineral Density and Degenerative Changes of the Lumbar Spine in Former Elite Athletes

The aim of this study was to assess bone mineral density (BMD) and degenerative changes in the lumbar spine in male former elite athletes participating in different track and field disciplines and to determine the influence of body composition and degenerative changes on BMD. One hundred and fifty-nine former male elite athletes (40 throwers, 97 jumpers, 22 endurance athletes) were studied. Anthropometric (age, body mass index [BMI]) and sport-specific data (personal best, intensity, duration, and time since termination of competitive sports career as well as current sporting activity) were collected. Degenerative changes of the lumbar spine in lateral view were evaluated by using the Kellgren and Lawrence Score. Bone mineral density of the lumbar spine was measured in an anterior-posterior view with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA, T-score). Throwers had a higher body mass index than jumpers and endurance athletes. Throwers and jumpers had higher BMD (T-LWS) than endurance athletes. Bivariate analysis revealed a negative correlation of BMD (T-score) with age and a positive correlation with BMD and Kellgren score (p<0.05). Even after multiple adjustment for confounders lumbar spine BMD is significantly higher in throwers, pole vaulters, and long- and triple jumpers than in marathon athletes. Different types of mechanical loading caused by sporting activities seem to influence the BMD of the lumbar spine, even if different body constitutions (i.e. BMI) and age, training history, and degenerative changes in the lumbar spine of former throwers, jumpers, and endurance athletes are taken into consideration.

Student perspectives of assessment by TEMM model in physiology

Assessment is the process by which the teacher and the student gain knowledge about student progress. Assessment systems should aim at evaluating the desired learning outcomes. In Melaka Manipal Medical College, (Manipal Campus), Manipal, India, the TEMM model (consisting of 4 assessment methods: Triple Jump Test, essay incorporating critical thinking questions, Multistation Integrated Practical Examination, and multiple choice questions) was introduced to 30 refresher students in the fourth block of the academic year. At the end of the block, a questionnaire was distributed to ask the students to rank the different assessments in the order of their preference with respect to seven items. Analysis of the results showed that not a single type of assessment was ranked highest for all the seven items, proving the earlier observation that a single assessment does not fulfill all aspects of assessment and that there is a need for an evaluating system with multiple ways of assessment.

세단뛰기 지지국면 시 사지의 각운동량과 운동수행과의 관계

The purposes of this study were to determine the functions of actions of the limbs during each of the three support phases of the triple jump and their relationships with the performance of the triple jump. Four elite male triple jumpers were participated as subjects. The Pearson product moment correlation coefficient were used to determine and compare the relationships between the change in each component of the normalized angular momentum of the whole body about center of gravity and the actions of the extremities during different support phases. A level of significance at <TEX>$\alpha$</TEX>=.05 was set. After analyzing the angular momentum and correlation during support phase of the hop, step, and jump, the following findings are obtained: The actions of the arms created a side-somersaulting angular momentum about the whole body center of gravity toward the side of the free leg during the support phase of the step, and a somersaulting angular momentum about the whole body center of gravity during each support phase. The action of the free leg created a somersaulting angular momentum about the whole body center of gravity during the support phases of the hop and step.

Spätschäden am Bewegungsapparat bei ehemaligen Hochleistungsweit- und -dreispringern

Ziel der Studie war es festzustellen, welche degenerativen Veränderungen sich bei ehemaligen Hochleistungsweit- und -dreispringern mindestens 10 Jahre nach Beendigung der Sportkarriere finden. 29 männliche Weit- und Dreispringer (persönliche Bestleistung mindestens 7,80 m Weitsprung oder 16,20 m Dreisprung) wurden zu einer Untersuchung eingeladen. Neben einer Analyse der sportartspezifischen Trainings- und Wettkampfanamnese erfolgte eine klinische und radiologische Untersuchung der Lendenwirbelsäule (Funktionsfragebogen Hannover/Rückenversion, radiologische Klassifikation nach Kellgren und Lawrence), der Hüftgelenke (Funktionsfragebogen Hannover/Hüftversion; radiologische Klassifikation nach Kellgren und Lawrence), der Kniegelenke (klinische Beurteilung der Stabilität und Bewegung, radiologische Klassifikation nach Kellgren und Lawrence) und der Sprunggelenke (klinische Beurteilung nach dem Freiburger Sprunggelenk-Score und Score nach Kitaoka, radiologische Beurteilung a.-p. nach Bargon und seitlich nach Scranton und Mac Dermott). Wesentliche Beschwerden finden sich in allen untersuchten Regionen nicht. Degenerative Veränderungen finden sich im Bereich der unteren Lendenwirbelsäule und an den Sprunggelenken in der seitlichen Aufsicht. Ein signifikanter Unterschied zwischen Sprung- und Schwungbein kann nicht festgestellt werden. Schwere degenerative Veränderungen finden sich bei ehemaligen Weit- und Dreispringern nur in seltenen Fällen. Ein erhöhtes Arthroserisiko scheint nicht vorhanden zu sein.

Figure Skating

The purpose of this study was to compare triple (T) and quadruple (Q) toe‐loop figure skating jumps and quantify basic characteristics of these jumps to provide information to coaches that will assist them in teaching quadruple toe‐loops to elite figure skaters. High‐speed video was taken during men's practice and competition sessions at the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics; three‐dimensional analyses of selected triple and quadruple jumps were completed. The most significant difference between triple and quadruple toe‐loops was an increase in rotational velocity in the air. Additionally, increased vertical velocity at take‐off and subsequent time in the air were also observed. Three main conclusions were developed: 1) The timing of rotation of the hips and shoulders was different for quadruple toe‐loops compared to triples with the differences being observed before toe‐pick; 2) Increases in rotational velocity occurred primarily as a result of the skaters assuming different body positions from take‐off through landing which resulted in tighter rotating positions for longer durations of the jump; 3) Greater vertical velocity was gained during the propulsive phase due to the extension of the legs during the press off the ice.

세단뛰기 지지국면 시 사지의 운동학적 변인과 전신 무게중심의 속도 변화와의 관계

The purposes of this study were to determine the functions of actions of the limbs during each of the three support phases of the triple jump and their relationships with the performance of the triple jump. Four elite male triple jumpers were participated as subjects. The statistical analyses used were the Pearson product moment correlation coefficient for establishing relationships and simple regression analyses to determine and compare the relationships between the change of the horizontal velocity and the change of the vertical velocity during different support phases. A level of significance at p<.05 was set. The actions of the arms were responsible for about 25%, 25%, and 30% of the decrease in the horizontal velocity of the whole body center of gravity during the support phases of the hop, step, and jump, respectively. The change in the velocities of the whole body center of gravity due to the actions of the free limbs were significantly related with the whole body center of gravity during each support phase. The action of the support leg was associated with the decrease in the horizontal velocity and the increase in the vertical velocity of the whole body center of gravity during each support phase.

Position measuring system for applications in field sports

In this paper, an automated system able to measure performance in field sports is presented. The system can detect automatically the length of jumps and triple jumps as well as the position of throws in field sports. The method of detection is based on an application-specific magnetostrictive delay line set-up, using the delay time due to the acoustic signal propagation. The system is able to perform measurements with an accuracy better than 1 mm, thus overcoming the present semi-automatic or manual techniques of measurement.

Performance Level of Triple Jumpers from the Viewpoint of the Jumping Distance and the Velocity of the Center of Gravity

The purposes of this study were to investigate the differences in jumping distance and velocity of the center of gravity among performance level of triple jumpers, and to suggest proper training for each performance level. The subjects were 18 triple jumpers (2 club team athletes, 5 university students, and 11 senior high-school students). The subjects were divided into 3 groups (A, B and C) according to their performance levels. The mean distances of the triple jump were 15.57±0.22m for group A (n=4), 14.85±0.13m for group B (n=4), and 13.53±0.32m for group C (n=10). The data were collected by videotaping their performance with two video cameras. The results could be summarized as follows:(1) The difference in the total distance of the triple jump from the level of group C to that of group B was majorly due to the difference of the hop distance. The difference in the total distance of the triple jump from the level of group B to that of group A resulted from the difference of the step distance.(2) The type of the phase ratio of group C was the balanced phase ratio, and the phase ratios of groups B and A were the hop-dominated. However, the phase ratio of group A showed a balanced tendency as compared with group B.(3) The athletes of group C maintained the horizontal velocity during the step support phase, but they could not increase the vertical velocity largely. The athletes of group B greatly reduced the horizontal velocity during the hop support phase.(4) The athletes of group C should increase their approach velocity and hop distance, and they have to get skilled in the takeoff in the hop phase. The athletes of group B should learn the technique to maintain their horizontal velocity during the hop support phase. The athletes of group A should focus on the sprint training to get more approach velocity, and should shift hop-dominated phase ratio to balanced one.

Bone density in competitive figure skaters

Oleson CV, Busconi BD, Baran DT. Bone density in competitive figure skaters. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2002;83:122-8. Objectives: To compare the bone mineral density (BMD) of competitive female teenage figure skaters with a history of fracture with the BMD of skaters without fracture and to compare each group to age-matched, nonathletic controls. Design: Retrospective age-matched cohort. Setting: Tertiary care medical center and 3 local skating clubs. Participants: Thirty-six adolescent female competitive skaters (10 with fracture, 26 without fracture) to 22 age-matched controls. Interventions: Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures: BMD was estimated by quantitative ultrasound. Results: Skaters who had suffered stress fractures had BMD values comparable with those of healthy nonathletic controls. However, skaters who had not suffered stress fractures had calcaneal BMD values 15% to 24% greater than either the controls or skaters with fractures. Among the skaters without fracture, there was a 14% to 19% higher calcaneal BMD in skaters who executed triple jumps relative to skaters who performed only double jumps. Furthermore, there was 7% to 11% greater BMD in the landing foot of the skaters relative to the takeoff foot. Conclusions: Stress fractures in adolescent skaters are not caused by low bone mass but may result from excessive forces placed on a normal skeleton. Our findings also support the hypothesis that higher peak forces are applied to the landing foot relative to the takeoff foot. © 2002 by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Mineral mass, size, and estimated mechanical strength of triple jumpers’ lower limb

This study was designed to examine the anticipated strong influence of extreme impact loading on the mineral mass, size, and gross structural properties of triple jumpers’ lower limb bones. We compared the bone data obtained with peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) from 8 Finnish triple jumpers with corresponding data from gender-, age-, height-, and weight-matched nonathletic peers. The volumetric (trabecular) density was significantly higher in the jumpers than in controls (from an average 18% difference at the distal tibia to a 41% difference at the proximal tibia), whereas the cortical density did not differ between groups. The DXA-derived areal bone mineral density of the femoral neck and lumbar spine was 31% higher in the jumpers than in controls, compared with a 16% difference between groups at the less-loaded distal radius. The lower limb bones were comparable in size between groups except at the distal femur where a significant 4%–6% difference was observed in favor of the triple jumpers. Mean tibial cortical wall thickness and area were substantially greater in the triple jumpers; the mean group difference ranged from about 20% at the shaft sites, to over 50% at the distal tibia. Given the apparently stronger cortices in the triple jumpers, the section moduli (bone strength index) of their femoral necks and tibiae were 19%–31% higher compared with the control group. Our findings indicate the ability of extreme impact loading to considerably improve bone’s mechanical competence. Adaptation to loading seems to occur in a site-specific fashion by gross geometric changes, structural or architectural changes, or by their combination. The loading effect was best seen as enlarged bone cortices, probably after the trabecular density had reached its ceiling.

Performance-Based Assessment: Using Pre-Established Criteria and Continuous Feedback to Enhance a Student’s Ability to Perform Practice Tasks

Performance-based assessment is a process in which pre-established performance criteria and continuous feedback are used by both the student and instructor to improve learning with an endpoint of students demonstrating their achievement of learning by performing realistic practice tasks. This manuscript describes the issues limiting widespread use of performance-based assessment, based on findings from the pharmacy, medical, and general education literature, and then proposes a model for how to successfully implement it. Performance-based assessment methods such as direct observation, the Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise, simulations involving standardized patients and computers, projects, presentations, learning portfolios, and the Triple Jump Exam are discussed. Successful implementation of performance-based assessment involves: 1) inculcating a culture for assessment, 2) establishing pre-specified performance criteria, 3) implementing use of the pre-established performance criteria and formative assessment methods to provide continuous feedback during the learning period, 4) using summative performance-based assessment methods, and 5) providing mechanisms for student remediation. Successful inclusion of performance-based assessment in Doctor of Pharmacy curricula should enable instructors to better prepare graduates that can provide pharmaceutical care in a quality manner.

Biomechanical loading in the triple jump

The triple jump is a demanding field event in which a jumper must tolerate extremely high impact forces while maintaining high horizontal speed. The present study was designed to clarify the mechanical loading characteristics and the role of neuromuscular function in the triple jump. Seven national triple jumpers (4 males, 3 females) volunteered to perform 3-6 jumps. The mean best performances were 14.32 - 0.45 m and 11.90 - 0.28 m for males and females, respectively. The three longest triple jumps for each jumper were selected for final analysis. The mean contact times were 0.139 s (hop), 0.157 s (step) and 0.177 s (jump). The largest ground reaction forces were observed in the step (15.2 times body weight), while the highest peak pressures were recorded under the heel and forefoot. The plantar pressure of the lateral side of the forefoot was highly related to the length of the triple jump ( P ≪ 0.05-0.01). In addition, electromyograms of both legs suggested that mechanical loading places high demands on the neuromuscular system, as characterized by the high rate of activation in the pre-activity phase followed by high eccentric activity. Thus, the high activities of the gastrocnemius, vastus lateralis and hip extensor muscles seem to play an important role in preventing unnecessary yielding of the jumper during the braking phase.