A kinetic analysis of discus-throwing techniques

The purposes of this study were to investigate (1) the relationships between official distance and selected ground reaction measures during discus throwing; and (2) the relationships between selected ground reactions and selected lower extremity joint kinetics. Three high-speed video cameras and three force plates were used to collect three-dimensional videographic and force plate data in this study. An inverse dynamic model was used to determine the lower extremity kinetics. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to determine relationships of the selected kinematic and kinetic measures with the official distance. Official distance was significantly correlated with ground reaction forces on the left foot during the first single-support phase, on the right foot during the second single-support phase and delivery phase, and on the left foot during the delivery phase. Also, the right-hip extension and internal rotation moments and left-knee extension moment during the delivery phase were significantly correlated with official distance. These results suggest that discus throwers should drive vigorously forward during the first single-support phase and increase the landing impact force on the right foot after flight. Also they should increase forward and rightward ground reaction force on the right foot and backward and vertical force on the left foot by powerful right-hip extension and internal rotation and left-knee extension during the delivery phase. These results provide critical information regarding the training of discus-throwing techniques, and the direction of future biomechanical studies on this event.