Diving

The purpose of this study was to compare the reverse two and one half somersault dive in a tuck position (305C) performed by females (n = 24), and the reverse two and one half somersault dive in a pike position (305B) performed by males (n = 21), to determine changes required by females to successfully perform 305B. Key performance variables in reverse dives were also compared to those of forward dives. Video data of the dives performed at the 1999 FINA World Diving Cup were captured and digitised to obtain times and postures of the divers at specific events including hurdle landing, takeoff, and entry. Estimates of hurdle flight height and mass‐normalised work done on the springboard were obtained from hurdle and flight times. The males did more work on the springboard to achieve greater height and rotation than females. Females performing 305C had less hip and knee flexion at hurdle landing than males performing 305B and took longer to achieve maximum hip flexion after takeoff from the springboard. To progress from 305C to 305B females need to adjust their techniques to put more energy into the system. Desirable changes include increased height in the hurdle and increased hip and knee flexion prior to hurdle landing. Comparison of results for reverse dives with data previously presented for forward dives indicated that divers are more limited in the number of somersaults and dive position in reverse dives than forward dives despite equivalent or better height in reverse dives than forward dives.     

Technique and timing in women's inward two and one half somersault tuck (405C) and the men's inward two and one half somersault pike (405B) 3 m springboard dives

The purpose of this study was to compare the inward two and one half somersault dive in a tuck position (405C) performed by females (n = 22) and the inward two and one half somersault dive in a pike position (405B) performed by males (n = 24) to determine changes required by females to successfully perform 405B. Key performance variables in inward dives were also compared to those of backward dives. Video data of the dives performed at the 1999 FINA World Diving Cup were captured and digitized to obtain times and postures of the divers at specific events including takeoff and entry. Estimates of flight height and mass-normalised work done on the springboard were obtained from flight times. Some females worked the springboard strongly enough to generate sufficient height and rotation to perform 405B. Males performed 405B comfortably because they achieved better height and rotation than the females. A comparison of backward and inward dives revealed that divers are able to attain greater height in backward dives than inward dives.     

Technique and timing in women's backward two and one half somersault tuck (205C) and the men's backward two and one half somersault pike (205B) 3m springboard dives

The purpose of this study was to compare the backward two and one half somersault dive in a tuck position (205C) performed by females (n = 22) and the backward two and one half somersault dive in a pike position (205B) performed by males (n = 27) and by females (n = 6) to determine changes required by females to successfully perform 205B. Video data of the dives performed at the 1999 FINA World Diving Cup were captured and digitised to obtain times and postures of the divers at specific events including maximum depression, takeoff, and entry. Estimates of mass-normalised work done on the springboard were obtained from flight times. Males performed 31% more mass-normalised work on the springboard to gain height than females. Based on the dive scores and the short time to extend and prepare for entry it was concluded that females are not yet able to perform 205B with the same quality as they perform 205C. Females performing backward dives need to adjust their techniques to allow increased work on the springboard to generate height and rotation. Also, faster contraction of the hip flexors may allow them to achieve the tightest position more quickly to complete rotations with more time to prepare for entry.     

Technique and timing in women's and men's reverse one and one half somersault with two and one half twists (5335D) and men's reverse one and one half somersault with three and one half twists (5337D) 3 m springboard dives

The purpose of this study was to compare timing and technique of males and females performing reverse twisting dives in elite international competition. Video data of the dives performed at the 1999 FINA World Diving Cup were captured and digitised to obtain times and postures of the divers at specific events including takeoff and entry. Estimates of flight height and mass-normalised work done on the springboard were obtained from flight times. The data indicated that many males are able to complete an additional twist rotation because they attain more height, and therefore more time in the air, than females.     

Diving

The purpose of this study was to compare the backward two and one half somersault dive in a tuck position (205C) performed by females (n = 22) and the backward two and one half somersault dive in a pike position (205B) performed by males (n = 27) and by females (n = 6) to determine changes required by females to successfully perform 205B. Video data of the dives performed at the 1999 FINA World Diving Cup were captured and digitised to obtain times and postures of the divers at specific events including maximum depression, takeoff, and entry. Estimates of mass‐normalised work done on the springboard were obtained from flight times. Males performed 31% more mass‐normalised work on the springboard to gain height than females. Based on the dive scores and the short time to extend and prepare for entry it was concluded that females are not yet able to perform 205B with the same quality as they perform 205C. Females performing backward dives need to adjust their techniques to allow increased work on the springboard to generate height and rotation. Also, faster contraction of the hip flexors may allow them to achieve the tightest position more quickly to complete rotations with more time to prepare for entry.     

Hip extension during the come-out of multiple forward and inward pike somersaulting dives is controlled by eccentric contraction of the hip flexors

Abstract

A modelling approach was used in the present study to investigate the role of the hip muscles during the come-out of forward and inward multiple somersaulting dives in a pike position. A planar two-segment model was used to simulate the somersault and come-out of three commonly performed dives from a 3-m springboard: forward two-and-one-half somersault pike dive (105B), forward three-and-one-half somersault pike dive (107B), and inward two-and-one-half somersault pike dive (405B). Three simulations were run for each dive: (1) hip angle was constrained to be constant, (2) hip torque was removed after 0.1 s, and (3) hip angle was constrained to a typical come-out time history used by elite divers. Simulation results indicated that hip flexion torque was required both to maintain a rigid pike position during somersault (range = 205.5–282.3 Nm) and to control the hip extension movement during the come-out (peak torque range = 355.8–548.1 Nm) in forward and inward multiple somersaulting dives. Coaches and divers should be aware that dry-land exercise drills producing hip extension movement by concentric actions of the hip extensor muscles do not replicate the neuromuscular control during the come-out of fast rotating dives.     

Hurdle preflight in springboard diving: a case of diminishing returns

Attempts to increase dive height by introducing a period of flight in the final approach step preceding the hurdle of dives from forward and reverse groups were investigated. One study involved 11 collegiate-level divers experienced in both traditional and hurdle preflight techniques. In a second study, dives executed by 9 national-level women were compared. Dives with a hurdle preflight had shorter final approach steps and greater hurdle flight durations. Flight time differences in favor of hurdle preflight techniques diminished from final approach step through hurdle flight to dive flight. Although the collegiate-level divers had longer dive flight times when using a hurdle preflight, it was suggested that the costs of these techniques may outweigh their potential benefits.     

The validation and application of Inertial Measurement Units to springboard diving

Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) may offer an ecologically valid, reliable, and practical method for biomechanical performance analysis. With such potential in mind, Part 1 of this study examined the accuracy of IMUs gyroscopes with an optical system (Cortex 3.3). A calibration formula standardised the IMUs angular velocity output with the optical system. The percentage differences between the two measures = 0.5% (p < 0.05), suggest IMU’s efficacy for application. In Part 2, the aim was to examine and understand how dive flight angular velocity time series plots change and increase according to dive degree of difficulty. With IMUs attached to three competitive divers performing forward somersault dives, dive flight kinematics were assessed. Biomechanically, a 4½ tuck somersault dive differed to lower degree of difficulty dives in terms of: (1) a rotational delay immediately after takeoff (to gain greater vertical translation); (2) increased total time of flight; (3) greater muscle effort to resist increased centrifugal forces produced by the increased angular velocity (1,090 °/s); and (4) greater eccentric control during deceleration allow a safe and vertical entry into the water. IMUs can be effectively utilised and integrated into contexts such as springboard diving for performance analysis and optimisation purposes.     

Sex differences in lower extremity stiffness and kinematics alterations during double-legged drop landings with changes in drop height

The aim of this study was to determine whether sex differences and effect of drop heights exist in stiffness alteration of the lower extremity during a landing task with a drop height increment. Twelve male participants and twelve female participants performed drop landings at two drop heights (DL40 and DL60; in cm). The leg and joint stiffnesses were calculated using a spring–mass model, and the joint angular kinematics were calculated using motion capture. Ground reaction forces (GRFs) were recorded using a force plate. The peak vertical GRF of the females was significantly increased when the drop height was raised from 40 to 60 cm. Significantly less leg and knee stiffness was observed for DL60 in females. The ankle, knee, and hip angular displacement during landing were significantly increased with drop height increment in both sexes. The knee and hip flexion angular velocities at contact were significantly greater for the 60 cm drop height relative to the 40 cm drop height in males. These sex disparities regarding the lower extremity stiffness and kinematics alterations during drop landing with a drop height increment would predispose females to lower extremity injury.     

Representative learning design in springboard diving: Is dry-land training representative of a pool dive?

Abstract

Two distinctly separate training facilities (dry-land and aquatic) are routinely used in springboard diving and pose an interesting problem for learning, given the inherent differences in landing (head first vs. feet first) imposed by the different task constraints. Although divers may practise the same preparation phase, take-off and initial aerial rotation in both environments, there is no evidence to suggest that the tasks completed in the dry-land training environment are representative of those performed in the aquatic competition environment. The aim of this study was to compare the kinematics of the preparation phase of reverse dives routinely practised in each environment. Despite their high skill level, it was predicted that individual analyses of elite springboard divers would reveal differences in the joint coordination and board-work between take-offs. The two-dimensional kinematic characteristics were recorded during normal training sessions and used for intra-individual analysis. Kinematic characteristics of the preparatory take-off phase revealed differences in board-work (step lengths, jump height, board depression angles) for all participants at key events. However, the presence of scaled global topological characteristics suggested that all participants adopted similar joint coordination patterns in both environments. These findings suggest that the task constraints of wet and dry training environments are not similar, and highlight the need for coaches to consider representative learning designs in high performance diving programmes.     

Gender differences in lower limb frontal plane kinematics during landing

The aim of this study was to investigate gender differences in knee valgus angle and inter-knee and inter-ankle distances in university volleyball players when performing opposed block jump landings. Six female and six male university volleyball players performed three dynamic trials each for which they were instructed to jump up and block a volleyball suspended above a net set at the height of a standard volleyball net as it was spiked against them by an opposing player. Knee valgus/varus, inter-knee distance, and inter-ankle distance (absolute and relative to height) were determined during landing using three-dimensional motion analysis. Females displayed significantly greater maximum valgus angle and range of motion than males. This may increase the risk of ligament strain in females compared with males. Minimum absolute inter-knee distance was significantly smaller, and absolute and relative inter-knee displacement during landing significantly greater, in females than males. Both absolute and relative inter-ankle displacement during landing was significantly greater in males than females. These findings suggest that the gender difference in the valgus angle of the knee during two-footed landing is influenced by gender differences in the linear movement of the ankles as well as the knees. Coaches should therefore develop training programmes to focus on movement of both the knee and ankle joints in the frontal plane in order to reduce the knee valgus angle during landing, which in turn may reduce the risk of non-contact anterior cruciate ligament injury.     

The application of inertial measurement units and functional principal component analysis to evaluate movement in the forward 3½ pike somersault springboard dive

Based on technological and analytical advances, the capability to more accurately and finitely examine biomechanical and skill characteristics of movement has improved. The purpose of this study was to use Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) and Functional Principal Components Analysis (fPCA) to examine the role of movement variability (assessed via angular velocity), on 2 divers (1 international level; 1 national) performing the forward 3½ pike somersault dive. Analysis of angular velocity curves during ive-flight identified 5 fPCs, accounting for 96.5% of movement variability. The national diver’s scatter plots and standard deviation of fPC scores illustrated larger magnitudes of angular velocity variability across dive flight. For fPC1 and fPC3, magnitudes of SD variability were 282.6 and 201.5, respectively. The international diver illustrated more consistent angular velocity profiles, with clustering of fPCs scores (e.g., fPC1 & 3 = SD’s of 75.2 & 68.0). To account for lower variability in the international diver, the ability to better coordinate movement sequences and functionally utilise feedback in response to initiation of the somersault position is highlighted. Overall, findings highlight how both IMUs and fPCA can more holistically and finitely examine the biomechanical and skill characteristics of movement sequences with the capability to inform athlete development.     

Effects of a combined inversion and plantarflexion surface on knee and hip kinematics during landing

Although landing in a plantarflexion and inversion position is a well-known characteristic of lateral ankle sprains, the associated kinematics of the knee and hip is largely unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the changes in knee and hip kinematics during landings on an altered landing surface of combined plantarflexion and inversion. Participants performed five drop landings from 30 cm onto a trapdoor platform in three different conditions: flat landing surface, 25° inversion, or a combined 25° plantarflexion and 25° inversion. Kinematic data were collected using a seven camera motion capture system. A 2 × 3 (leg × surface) repeated measures ANOVA was used for statistical analysis. The combined surface showed decreased knee and hip flexion range of motion (ROM) and increased knee abduction ROM (p < 0.05). The altered landing surface creates a stiff landing pattern where reductions in sagittal plane motion are transferred to the frontal plane, resulting in increased knee abduction. A stiff landing pattern is frequently related to increased risk of anterior cruciate ligament injury. It may be beneficial for athletes at risk to train for alternate methods of increasing their sagittal plane motion of the knee and hip with active knee or trunk flexion.     

Gender differences in lower limb frontal plane kinematics during landing

The aim of this study was to investigate gender differences in knee valgus angle and inter-knee and inter-ankle distances in university volleyball players when performing opposed block jump landings. Six female and six male university volleyball players performed three dynamic trials each for which they were instructed to jump up and block a volleyball suspended above a net set at the height of a standard volleyball net as it was spiked against them by an opposing player. Knee valgus/varus, inter-knee distance, and inter-ankle distance (absolute and relative to height) were determined during landing using three-dimensional motion analysis. Females displayed significantly greater maximum valgus angle and range of motion than males. This may increase the risk of ligament strain in females compared with males. Minimum absolute inter-knee distance was significantly smaller, and absolute and relative inter-knee displacement during landing significantly greater, in females than males. Both absolute and relative inter-ankle displacement during landing was significantly greater in males than females. These findings suggest that the gender difference in the valgus angle of the knee during two-footed landing is influenced by gender differences in the linear movement of the ankles as well as the knees. Coaches should therefore develop training programmes to focus on movement of both the knee and ankle joints in the frontal plane in order to reduce the knee valgus angle during landing, which in turn may reduce the risk of non-contact anterior cruciate ligament injury.     

The influence of the vaulting table on the handspring front somersault

The traditional “horse” was replaced by a new vaulting “table” in artistic gymnastics competitions in 2001.The aim of this study was to determine whether the table led to a change in vaulting technique. This was achieved by comparing three-dimensional video-based analyses (50 Hz) of selected biomechanical discrete and continuous variables across four elite male gymnasts performing a series of handspring front somersault vaults on the traditional horse and the new table. Individual joint and inter-segment coupling (continuous relative phase) were used to quantify techniques used on the two apparatuses. Differences were attributed in part to the design and construction of the new table. No differences were observed for the approach and take-off from the board. Significant differences in hip flexion at board take-off and strike angle on the table were observed. One of the effects of the latter was an increase in vertical take-off velocity compared with the horse. Individual strategies were observed in hip and shoulder coordination patterns that were obscured when group data were considered. Close monitoring of the evolution of skill on this new apparatus is paramount for gymnastics coaching, and further studies of current elite competitive vaulting techniques are required.     

The relationship between performance of a single-leg squat and leap landing task: moving towards a netball-specific anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk screening method

ABSTRACT

Field-based screening methods have a limited capacity to identify high-risk postures during netball-specific landings associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. This study determined the biomechanical relationship between a single-leg squat and netball-specific leap landing, to examine the utility of including a single-leg squat within netball-specific ACL injury risk screening. Thirty-two female netballers performed single-leg squat and netball-specific leap landing tasks, during which three-dimensional (3D) kinematic/kinetic data were collected. One-dimensional statistical parametric mapping examined relationships between kinematics from the single-leg squat, and the 3D joint rotation and moment data from leap landings. Participants displaying reduced hip external rotation, reduced knee flexion, and greater knee abduction and knee internal rotation angles during the single-leg squat exhibited these same biomechanical characteristics during the leap landing (p < 0.001). Greater ankle dorsiflexion during the single-leg squat was associated with greater knee flexion during landing (p < 0.001). Ankle eversion during the single-leg squat was associated with frontal and transverse plane knee biomechanics during landing (p < 0.001). Biomechanics from the single-leg squat were associated with landing strategies linked to ACL loading or injury risk, and thus may be a useful movement screen for identifying netball players who exhibit biomechanical deficits during landing.     

A Kinetic Analysis of the Ground Leg During Sprint Running

Abstract

Fifteen highly skilled sprinters were filmed while running at maximum velocity. The results were digitized and computer processed with interest focused on the muscle moments generated about the hip, knee, and ankle of the ground leg. Muscle activity about the hip consisted of extensor (concentric) dominance from foot descent, through foot strike, and into mid-support. Muscle dominance shifted to the hip flexors (eccentric) during mid-support and continued through takeoff. Muscle dominance at the knee demonstrated a pattern of flexor (eccentric, then concentric) dominance from foot descent through foot strike and into mid-support. Knee extensors (eccentric, then concentric) then achieved dominance through takeoff. During the later stages of takeoff, the dominance decreased or reversed briefly to flexor (eccentric) activity prior to a period of minimal activity following the toe-off position. From a period of minimal activity prior and subsequent to ground contact, the plantar flexors (eccentric, then concentric) of the foot were dominant throughout the ground phase. Qualitatively, the unexpected knee flexor dominance during foot strike was generated to limit the braking action created during this portion of ground contact. The unanticipated hip flexor dominance during takeoff served to rotate the upper body forward and into the approaching air phase. In addition, both of these actions allowed efficient use of the two-joint muscles of the leg during the critical phases of ground contact. Finally, the minimizing or reversing of the knee extensor dominance during the later stages of takeoff served to protect the joint from injury. Quantitatively, the magnitude of hip extensor/knee flexor activity during foot strike was significantly related (r = .70, p = .01) to the prior occurrences of related leg injury in the subjects.     

A comparison of men's and women's strength to body mass ratio and varus/valgus knee angle during jump landings

The purpose of this investigation was to compare valgus/varus knee angles during various jumps and lower body strength between males and females relative to body mass. Seventeen recreationally active females (age: 21.94 ± 2.59 years; height: 1.67 ± 0.05 m; mass: 64.42 ± 8.39 kg; percent body fat: 26.89 ± 6.26%; squat one-repetition maximum: 66.18 ± 19.47 kg; squat to body mass ratio: 1.03 ± 0.28) and 13 recreationally active males (age: 21.69 ± 1.65 years; height: 1.77 ± 0.07 m; mass: 72.39 ± 9.23 kg; percent body fat: 13.15 ± 5.18%; squat one-repetition maximum: 115.77 ± 30.40 kg; squat to body mass ratio: 1.59 ± 0.31) performed a one-repetition maximum in the squat and three of each of the following jumps: countermovement jump, 30 cm drop jump, 45 cm drop jump, and 60 cm drop jump. Knee angles were analysed using videography and body composition was analysed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry to allow for squat to body mass ratio and squat to fat free mass ratio to be calculated. Significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) were found between male and female one-repetition maximum, male and female squat to body mass ratio, and male and female squat to fat free mass ratio. Significant differences were found between male and female varus/valgus knee positions during maximum flexion of the right and left leg in the countermovement jump, drop jump from 30 cm, drop jump from 45 cm, and drop jump from 60 cm. Correlations between varus/valgus knee angles and squat to body mass ratio for all jumps displayed moderate, non-significant relationships (countermovement jump: r = 0.445; drop jump from 30 cm: r = 0.448; drop jump from 45 cm: r = 0.449; drop jump from 60 cm: r = 0.439). In conclusion, males and females have significantly different lower body strength and varus/valgus knee position when landing from jumps.     

Comment on “Influence of shaft length on golf driving performance”

A proficient serve is critical to successful tennis performance, and consequently coaches and players devote considerable time refining this stroke. In so doing, a wide variety of interventions are used or trialled, generally with very little empirical support. This study examined the efficacy of a commonly used service intervention, where players focus on exaggerating their finish (arabesque) position to promote specific changes in lower limb and trunk kinematics. The kinematics of eight high-performance junior players hitting flat serves were compared to the acute changes in kinematics elicited by the arabesque follow through position on serves using a 10-camera VICON MX motion analysis system. The significantly greater front (landing leg) hip flexion (p < 0.05) and forward trunk flexion (p < 0.05) confirmed the more exaggerated arabesque landing position following the arabesque instruction. The arabesque instruction resulted in increased frontal plane trunk range of motion and peak angular velocity in the forward swing, and increased leg drive during the drive phase. Practically, the results support the use of the arabesque instruction, effectively promoting the desired acute changes in trunk kinematics (i.e. increased frontal plane trunk rotation angular velocity) and leg drive (i.e. increased back knee extension angular velocity and front/back vertical hip velocity).     

Saddle height effects on pedal forces,joint mechanical work and kinematics of cyclists and triathletes

Abstract

The effects of saddle height on pedal forces and joint kinetics (e.g. mechanical work) are unclear. Therefore, we assessed the effects of saddle height on pedal forces, joint mechanical work and kinematics in 12 cyclists and 12 triathletes. Four sub-maximal 2-min cycling trials (3.4 W/kg and 90 rpm) were conducted using preferred, low and high saddle heights (±10° knee flexion at 6 o'clock crank position from the individual preferred height) and an advocated optimal saddle height (25° knee flexion at 6 o'clock crank position). Right pedal forces and lower limb kinematics were compared using effect sizes (ES). Increases in saddle height (5% of preferred height, ES=4.6) resulted in large increases in index of effectiveness (7%, ES=1.2) at the optimal compared to the preferred saddle height for cyclists. Greater knee (11–15%, ES=1.6) and smaller hip (6–8%, ES=1.7) angles were observed at the low (cyclists and triathletes) and preferred (triathletes only) saddle heights compared to high and optimal saddle heights. Smaller hip angle (5%, ES=1.0) and greater hip range of motion (9%, ES=1.0) were observed at the preferred saddle height for triathletes compared to cyclists. Changes in saddle height up to 5% of preferred saddle height for cyclists and 7% for triathletes affected hip and knee angles but not joint mechanical work. Cyclists and triathletes would opt for saddle heights <5 and <7%, respectively, within a range of their existing saddle height.