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. 2022 Apr 28;19(9):5402.
doi: 10.3390/ijerph19095402.

Application of Inertial Sensors to Identify Performance-Relevant Parameters in Olympic Hammer Throw

Stefan Tiedemann  1 , Thorben Menrad  1 , Kerstin Witte  1
Affiliations

Application of Inertial Sensors to Identify Performance-Relevant Parameters in Olympic Hammer Throw

Stefan Tiedemann et al. Int J Environ Res Public Health. .

Abstract

The aim of this study is to find essential performance-determining biomechanical parameters in hammer throw. There is no consensus in science on this, for many reasons. Among other things, there is the high complexity of the movement in conjunction with the differences in the physical conditions of the individual athletes. The purpose was to make complete body analyses of six experienced throwers (2 × male, 4 × female).

Methods: The kinematics were collected with the full body sensor suit (Moven suit from Xsens with 17 inertial measurement units (IMU)). We considered 37 literature-based parameters. By means of correlation analyses, with regard to throwing distance, and a principal component analysis (PCA), performance-relevant parameters could be found.

Results: The most promising results occurred in stance times and left hand speed. These findings suggest, in accordance with other studies, that these parameters have a relevant influence on the throwing distance. Comparing acceleration and angular velocity with the throwing distance also look relevant for performance.

Conclusions: Further research with a focus on technique and bigger differences in the throwing distance are necessary to obtain clearer performance relevant parameters.

Keywords: hammer throw; inertial sensors; motion capturing.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flow-chart diagram for the main structure of the paper.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Study setup together with two video cameras. The division of the throwing circle in azimuth angles (°) is displayed.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Anthropometric measurements of the athlete with Moven suit.
Figure 4
Figure 4
IMU placement under the Velcro fastener of the shoe.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Determination of release frame (marked by dotted line) by means of the of angular acceleration course of the right hand.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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