Abstract
The take-off velocity of swimmer is generated by the forces exerted by the upper and lower limbs. Since closed loop problem exists between the lower limbs and starting platform as well as between the upper limbs and grip handle, it is difficult to implement kinetic analysis of lower and upper limb joints of swimmers during start motion. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to obtain joint moments by using an instrumented starting block. The block is equipped with two force platforms for measurements of forces and free moment exerted by the individual lower limbs and one grip handle containing two sets of 3-axis load cells for measurements of forces exerted by individual hands. By inputting kinetic data measured with the instrumented block as the exerting forces/moments of distal-end segment of individual limbs, inverse dynamics calculation can be implemented by using coordinate data obtained via three dimensional DLT analysis of swimmer during start motion. The result obtained in this study demonstrates that hip joints and shoulder joints show large extension moments during start motion.
