The effect of increasing strength and approach velocity on triple jump performance

Curved Approach in High Jump Induces Greater Jumping Height without Greater Joint Kinetic Exertions than Straight Approach

PURPOSE

The most height-specific jumping mode, the athletic high jump, is characterized as a running single-leg jump (RSLJ) from a curved approach. The main advantage of a curved approach is believed to be facilitation of bar clearance. However, the effect of a curved approach on center-of-mass (CoM) height generation has not been clarified. Here, we show that the curved RSLJ (C-RSLJ) is more suitable than the straight RSLJ (S-RSLJ) for CoM height generation.

METHODS

We collected data using motion capture from 13 male high jumpers (personal best, 2.02-2.31 m) that performed C-RSLJ and S-RSLJ. We then compared the energy generation contributing to CoM height (Evert) in each approach.

RESULTS

All participants attained greater CoM height in C-RSLJ than in S-RSLJ (difference, 0.055 ± 0.024 m). Three-dimensional joint kinematics and kinetics were similar between both approaches, except for the ankle plantar-flexion torque, which was smaller in C-RSLJ. The sum of positive work was comparable between the approaches, whereas the sum of negative work in C-RSLJ was significantly smaller than in S-RSLJ. The shank forward rotation induced a larger difference in Evert generation between C-RSLJ and S-RSLJ (0.80 ± 0.36 J·kg-1) than any other segment (≤0.36 J·kg-1).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with a straight approach, a curved approach induces greater CoM height without increasing joint kinetic exertions during takeoff. The curved approach changes the initial condition of the takeoff and promotes the transformation of horizontal kinetic energy into Evert. This study provides novel practical perspectives for high jumpers and highlights the importance of segment biomechanics in human motor performance.

A Review of Forward-Dynamics Simulation Models for Predicting Optimal Technique in Maximal Effort Sporting Movements

The identification of optimum technique for maximal effort sporting tasks is one of the greatest challenges within sports biomechanics. A theoretical approach using forward-dynamics simulation allows individual parameters to be systematically perturbed independently of potentially confounding variables. Each study typically follows a four-stage process of model construction, parameter determination, model evaluation, and model optimization. This review critically evaluates forward-dynamics simulation models of maximal effort sporting movements using a dynamical systems theory framework. Organismic, environmental, and task constraints applied within such models are critically evaluated, and recommendations are made regarding future directions and best practices. The incorporation of self-organizational processes representing movement variability and “intrinsic dynamics” remains limited. In the future, forward-dynamics simulation models predicting individual-specific optimal techniques of sporting movements may be used as indicative rather than prescriptive tools within a coaching framework to aid applied practice and understanding, although researchers and practitioners should continue to consider concerns resulting from dynamical systems theory regarding the complexity of models and particularly regarding self-organization processes.

Effect of the French Contrast Method on Explosive Strength and Kinematic Parameters of the Triple Jump Among Female College Athletes

There are resistance training methods that result in strength, others that enhance hypertrophy and others that stimulate power. The training modality of contrast provides all of these benefits in one session. The concept of French Contrast training is based on a combination of complex and contrast methods. The idea is to use four exercises to induce physiological responses of the athlete and train along the force-speed curve. The primary purpose of the study was to investigate the impact of the French Contrast Method on explosive strength and kinematic parameters of the triple jump among female college athletes. Ten female college athletes from the Helwan University’s track and field team participated in this study. Participants were assessed before and after an 8-week training program for upper and lower body explosive strength. No significant differences were observed in anthropometric characteristics. Explosive strength variables (Sargent jump test, countermovement jump, and seated medicine ball throw) increased significantly and kinematic parameters of the triple jump improved. The results indicated that eight weeks of the French Contrast training can improve both explosive strength and kinematic parameters of the triple jump.