Kinematic analysis of the shot‐put: A method of assessing the mechanical work of the hand action force

Abstract

The aims of this study were to (1) propose a method for evaluating shot-putters mechanical power, (2) investigate the relationship between mechanical work of hand action force (W), peak power output (PPO) of different limbs and shot-put performance and (3) show which of these two parameters (W, PPO) were the most appropriate to characterize the explosive abilities of the shot-putter. Twelve junior right-handed shot-putters, practised glide technique shot-put throwers (personal best = 13.57 ± 1.72 m), participated in this study. Arm and leg force-velocity tests were performed to measure PPO. Kinematic analysis was conducted during a shot-putting event in regular conditions to quantify the W at the release moment and shot-put performance. Significant correlations were found between absolute arm and leg PPO with upper and lower muscle volumes (r = .67; p = .03; r = .76; p = .01; r = .74, p = .01; r = .65, p = .04). Positive relationships were recorded between absolute arm and leg PPO and shot-put performance (r = .67, p = .02; r = .81, p = .004, respectively). Shot-put performance was also closely related to the W (r = .93, p = .0001) and release velocity parameter (r = .86, p = .001). The present results confirm that force-velocity test and W constitute useful tools for assessing mechanical power in throwing. The W could be considered as more suitable than force-velocity test.

Kinematical variables analysis of shot-put activity in para athletics (class F32/33) and their relationships with digital level achievement

“…However, it is likely that the performance relied more importantly on the throwing technique and functional outcome as they are both directly related to velocity and angle of release. Shot-putting requires great explosive strength, together with the ability to perform precisely timed movements in a confined space (Landolsi et al, 2018). The athlete's objective is to project the shot as far as possible, but competition regulations restrict the technique that may be used.…”

“…Algeria achieved new Gold medals in the male competitions for elite throwers with impairment of cerebral palsy (Class F32/33). The level of competition was of high quality, where Performing well in shot-put consists of simply throwing the shot as far as possible (Landolsi et al, 2018).…”

“…position, speed and angle of shot) (John W. Chow et al, 2000;O'Riordan & Frossard, 2006). To the best of our knowledge, most research has focused on biomechanical variables of the para-athletics and studied the effects, comparative and correlation of kinetic and kinematics variables with digital level (Guebli, Bessenouci, et al, 2018), in athletics disciplines such as the Shot-Put throw (Abdelkader et al, 2018a;Błażkiewicz et al, 2019;Gilberto, n.d.;Hubbard et al, 2001;Landolsi et al, 2018;Lee et al, 2015;Willwacher et al, 2011), Discus Throw (Abdelkader et al, 2018a; R. M. Bartlett, 1992;Błażkiewicz et al, 2019;J. W. Chow & Mindock, 1999;Delgado, 2012;Hay & Yu, 1995;Leigh et al, 2010;Maroński, 1991;Shestakov, 2005).…”

Using sport science to improve coaching: A case study of Felisha Johnson’s Road to Rio

“…The athlete has control over four variables that directly influence the distance of the throw: release height, release angle, release dirction, and release velocity. 4,5 Previous studies have observed that release velocity is highly correlated with superior shot put performance, 5–9 and as the mathematical equation used to calculate throw distance is based on the quadratic equation, modifying the release velocity is theorized to have the greatest effect on the throw distance. 10 Other studies have suggested that neither release velocity nor other release parameters have any effect on throw distance.…”

“…Several studies have been done to understand the ideal ranges of each of these variables. Optimal release height has been shown to fall between 2.0 – 2.2 meters in elite athletes 7 and junior athletes, 6 although some studies have shown optimal performance with release heights in the range of 2.2-2.35 meters. 14 Obviously, athletes with larger statures (i.e., increased height or longer arm length) will be at an advantage in the shot put, as they will be granted a greater release height, increasing the amount of time the shot has in the air to travel horizontally.…”