Influence of rackets on human motion in smash motion

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of rackets on human motion in badminton smash motion. To analyze it, we made an experiment using three badminton rackets. The smashes of 12 males were selected for the analysis, and were digitized. Performances were recorded by twelve motion capture cameras. In this study, we analyzed a position in the vertical direction of each marker and angle of joints and considered a characteristic of the smash motion at the time of using each rackets. The results showed that there were characteristics of the smash motion, such as take-back. And we calculated a standard deviation to analyze a difference in the motion between using the rackets. As a result of this analysis, a difference in dispersion of the smash motion was observed depending on using the rackets by the standard deviation. In addition, some inexperience persons could be close to motions of experience by changing the rackets. Therefore, the result showed that it was very important to select a racket suitable for them. And we analyzed the influence of the athletic ability and skill in using the rackets. As a result of this analysis, ranking of the number of hits in the target and velocities of the wrist joint was consistent with ranking of sum of the standard deviation. Thus, the result showed that the athletic ability and skill was improved by using racket of the standard deviation with smaller value. Moreover, we analyzed the influence of psychological evaluation of rackets in using the rackets. As a result of this analysis, ranking of sum of the standard deviation was consistent with preference ranking of rackets. Therefore, the result showed that the standard deviation of smash motion provided one of indications of evaluation of rackets.