Brief
Description:
The three main objectives in springboard diving are: 1) to generate
sufficient angular momentum to execute somersaults and twists; 2) to obtain adequate
height and thus have enough time in the air to complete the dive, and 3) to
travel safely away from the springboard (Miller & Munro, 1985). The angular
momentum required for rotation, the height obtained during flight, and the
horizontal distance travelled are all determined during the takeoff. Therefore,
biomechanical studies of diving tend to focus on the characteristics of the
takeoff (eg. Miller, 1984; Miller & Munro, 1984; Miller & Munro, 1985b;
Spriging et al. 1987). Simple mathematical models have been developed to
optimize the timing of the force pattern during takeoff in order to achieve
maximum height (Sprigings & Watson, 1985). It has been shown however that
the vertical velocity decreases as the number of somersaults increases (Miller,
1984). Thus, there is a compromise between gaining height and producing
rotation. Optimization of technique depends on the direction of rotation and
the accompanying flexion of body joints. It is also crucial to take into
account the horizontal translation for board clearance. However, there is
little understanding of how body joint positions during takeoff influence the
flight height, the distance travelled and the speed of rotation (Miller &
Munro, 1985a; Sanders & Wilson, 1988).
The purpose of
this study is to gain an understanding of the mechanics of takeoffs in
springboard diving in terms of generating linear and angular momentum. A
computer simulation model of diving takeoffs including a human body model with
joint torque generators and an elastic springboard model will be developed. The
model will be evaluated by comparing simulation output with actual performance
and will then be used to investigate optimal technique for the different types
of dives.
Reference:
Miller, D.I. (1984). Biomechanical characteristics of
the final approach step, hurdle and take-off of elite American springboard
divers. Journal of Human Movement Studies,
10: 189-212.
Miller, D.I. & Munro, C.F. (1984). Body segment
contributions to height achieved during the flight of a springboard dive. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise,
16(3): 234-242.
Miller, D.I. & Munro, C.F. (1985a). Greg Louganis’
springboard takeoff: I. Temporal and joint position analysis. International Journal of Sport Biomechanics,
1: 209-220.
Miller, D.I. & Munro, C.F. (1985b). Greg Louganis’ springboard
takeoff: II. Linear and angular momentum considerations. International Journal of Sport Biomechanics, 1: 288-307.
Sanders, R.H. & Wilson, B.D. (1988). Factors
contributing to maximum height of dives after takeoff from 3m springboard. International Journal of Sport Biomechanics,
4: 231-259.
Sprigings, E.J., Paquette, S.E. & Watson, L.G.
(1987). Consistency of the relative vertical acceleration patterns of a diver’s
armswing. Journal of Human Movement
Studies, 13: 75-84.
Sprigings, E.J. & Watson, L.G. (1985). A
mathematical search for the optimal timing of the armswing during springboard
diving take-offs. In Winter et al. (Ed) International
Series on Biomechanics – Biomechanics IX B, pp.389-394. Human Kinetics Publishers. Inc.