[Double approach to the study of high jumping: attention demands and biomechanics]

A double approach was used to study high jumping: attention demands and biomechanic. The main goal was to determine if the methodology used to measure the attention demands did interfere with high jumping performance. Two sub-goals were also aimed: (a) to find the main characteristics of the attention demands of high jumping; (b) to find the main kinetic characteristics of high jumping. Two members of the canadian olympic team were tested. Results showed that the methodology using to measure the attention demands did not seem to interfere with subject's performance, the later being evaluated by means of force time variations during the take-off. Results also showed that: a) high jumping seems to require considerable amount of attention even for international caliber high jumpers, and b) there were differences between Straddle and Fosbury Flop techniques as far as kinetic date were concerned.