Biomechanical analysis of continuous striking movement with a naginata

Abstract

Most studies on naginata movements, to date, cover a single striking movement, and studies that analyzed the continuous striking movements are rare. In this seminar, we will introduce detail analysis of the movements associated with the continuous striking, focusing on movements of the upper limbs.

The task was for experts and beginners to continuously strike from men to sune. Two conditions were set; one was switching of hand positions on the naginata, inserted between striking men and sune, and the other was without this movement. The movements of the subjects were recorded by using three high-speed cameras and analyzed in three-dimensional view. Moreover, to observe the movement between the joints in the upper limb, extension, flexion, pronation, and supination movements of the elbow joint and palmar flexion, dorsiflexion, radial flexion, and ulnar flexion movements of the wrist were recorded by using a goniometer. Furthermore, surface electromyograms were derived from the left and right finger flexors to examine the timing of muscle activity in both arms. We aim to discuss the continuous striking skill in naginata, on the basis of the results of this study, and pass it on to tutors and students in the instructional settings.