Effects of Factors on Response Variables Lap Time and Lower Extremity Range of Motion in Bobsleigh Start using Bobsleigh Shoes for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics

Park, Seungbum,Lee, Kyungdeuk,Kim, Daewoong,Yoo, Junghyeon,Jung, Jaemin,Park, Kyunghwan Korean Society of Sport Biomechanics 2017 한국운동역학회지 Vol.27 No.3

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of bobsleigh shoes on the lower extremity range of motion and start speed lap time and to develop bobsleigh shoes suitable for winter environments and Korean players based on sports science and optimized biomechanical performance. Background: The bobsleigh shoes used in the start section of the sport are one of the most important equipment for improving athletes' performances. Despite the importance of the start section, there are no shoes that are specifically designed for Korean bobsleigh athletes. Thus, Korean athletes have to wear sprint spike shoes instead of bobsleigh shoes to practice the start. Method: The subjects included four bobsleigh athletes from the Gangwon Province Bobsleigh Skeleton Federation. The study selected the bobsleigh shoe type A (company A) and type B (company B). We analyzed the lower extremity range of motion and sprint time (start line to 10 m) using a Motion Analysis System (USA). Results: In the measurement of the time required for the bobsleigh start section (10 m), the type A shoes demonstrated the fastest section record by $2.765{\pm}0.086sec$ and yielded more efficient movements, hip and knee flexion, hip extension, ankle dorsiflexion, plantar flexion, and inversion than the type B shoes. Conclusion: Type A shoes can yield a better performance via effective lower extremity movements in the bobsleigh start section. Application: In the future, functional analysis should be conducted by comparing the upper material properties, comfort, and muscle fatigue of bobsleigh shoes based on the Type A shoes to develop such shoes suitable for Koreans.

Analysis of Forefoot Bending Angle in Sprint Spikes According to Bobsleigh Start Lap Time for Development of Korean-Specific Bobsledding Shoes

Park, Seungbum,Lee, Kyungdeuk,Kim, Daewoong,Yoo, Junghyeon,Jung, Jaemin,Park, Kyunghwan,Park, Sungwon,Kim, Jinhoon Korean Society of Sport Biomechanics 2016 한국운동역학회지 Vol.26 No.3

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze effects of the toe-spring angle of bobsleigh shoes on start speed lap time to develop Korean-specific bobsled shoes suitable for winter environments and for domestic players on the basis of sports science and optimized biomechanical performance. Method: Seven Korean bobsleigh athletes participated in this study, with three pairs of sprint spikes from three companies (Type A, Type B, Type C). To analyze sprint lap time and forefoot bending angle for each shoe, participants were instructed to drag a sled 15 meters from the start line at a maximum sprint. forefoot bending angle was collected by a high speed camera, and lap time speed was measured. Results: Lap time for type B shoes was $3.52{\pm}0.17sec$, type A was $3.55{\pm}0.19sec$, and type C was $3.56{\pm}0.18sec$. Forefoot bending angles were: angle 1, $6.88{\pm}5.55^{\circ}$; angle 2, $9.23{\pm}6.38^{\circ}$; angle 3, $15.56{\pm}5.39^{\circ}$; angle 4, $9.54{\pm}3.85^{\circ}$; angle 5, $9.22{\pm}5.08^{\circ}$; angle 6, $7.66{\pm}6.44^{\circ}$; and angle 7, $4.30{\pm}6.24^{\circ}$ (p<.001). Forefoot bending in angle 3 was as follows: type A, $16.47{\pm}6.01^{\circ}$; type B, $14.30{\pm}4.96^{\circ}$; and type C, $15.90{\pm}5.17^{\circ}$. Conclusion: Hard outsoles and midsoles are better than soft type for reduced start lap time when developing a prototype Korean bobsled shoe.

Relationship between the Ball Velocity and Upper Extremity Kinematic Variables during an Overarm Throwing Task of Inexperienced Individuals

Ozkaya, Gizem,Jung, Hae Ryun,Jeong, In Sub,Choi, Min Ra,Shin, Min Young,Lin, Xue,Heo, Woo Seong,Kim, Mi Sun,Lee, Ki Kwang Korean Society of Sport Biomechanics 2017 한국운동역학회지 Vol.27 No.1

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the ball velocity and the upper extremity kinematics for both dominant and non-dominant side in inexperienced participants about an overarm throwing task. Method: Seven women who are inexperienced in overarm throwing participated in this study (Age: $25.1{\pm}2.4years$, Height: $160.8{\pm}3.5$; Weight $56.5{\pm}7.8$). Participants visit the laboratory for three days with one day rest between test sessions. Whole body 3-dimensional (3D) motion capture was recorded during the overarm throwing trials with ten cameras Vicon motion analysis system (T-10, T40, Oxford Metrics Ltd, UK). Total 45 overarm throwing were recorded for each side for each test session. Ball speed also was measured 3 meters away behind the subjects and recorded for every trial. Results: Mean ball velocity was higher for dominant hand compared to non-dominant hand (p <.05). Trunk segment variables (maximum angles and angular velocities) showed the most consistent relationship with the ball velocity. Conclusion: The importance of the trunk segment during the throwing activities can be seen in some individuals. But inconsistent results between subjects emphasize the importance of the individuals' movement patterns especially for bilateral sports. The future studies should be conduct about the sequence of segments, kinetic variables and effect of training.

Plantar Soft-tissue Stress states in standing: a Three-Dimensional Finite Element Foot Modeling Study

Chen, Wen-Ming,Lee, Peter Vee-Sin,Lee, Tae-Yong Korean Society of Sport Biomechanics 2009 한국운동역학회지 Vol.19 No.2

It bas been hypothesized that foot ulceration might be internally initiated. Current instruments which merely allow superficial estimate of plantar loading acting on the foot, severely limit the scope of many biomechanical/clinical studies on this issue. Recent studies have suggested that peak plantar pressure may be only 65% specific for the development of ulceration. These limitations are at least partially due to surface pressures not being representative of the complex mechanical stress developed inside the subcutaneous plantar soft-tissue, which are potentially more relevant for tissue breakdown. This study established a three-dimensional and nonlinear finite element model of a human foot complex with comprehensive skeletal and soft-tissue components capable of predicting both the external and internal stresses and deformations of the foot. The model was validated by experimental data of subject-specific plantar foot pressure measures. The stress analysis indicated the internal stresses doses were site-dependent and the observation found a change between 1.5 to 4.5 times the external stresses on the foot plantar surface. The results yielded insights into the internal loading conditions of the plantar soft-tissue, which is important in enhancing our knowledge on the causes of foot ulceration and related stress-induced tissue breakdown in diabetic foot.

A Statistical Model for Marker Position in Biomechanics

Kim, Jinuk Korean Society of Sport Biomechanics 2017 한국운동역학회지 Vol.27 No.1

Objective: The purpose of this study was to apply a general linear model in statistics to marker position vectors used to study human joint rotational motion in biomechanics. Method: For this purpose, a linear model that represents the effect of the center of hip joint rotation and the rotation of the marker position on the response was formulated. Five male subjects performed hip joint functional motions, and the positions of nine markers attached on the thigh with respect to the pelvic coordinate system were acquired at the same time. With the nine marker positions, the center of hip joint rotation and marker positions on the thigh were estimated as parameters in the general linear model. Results: After examining the fitted model, this model did not fit the data appropriately. Conclusion: A refined model is required to take into account specific characteristics of longitudinal data and other covariates such as soft tissue artefacts.

Biomechanical Analysis at the Start of Bobsleigh Run in Preparation for the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics

Park, Seungbum,Lee, Kyungdeuk,Kim, Daewoong,Yoo, Junghyeon,Jung, Jaemin,Park, Kyunghwan Korean Society of Sport Biomechanics 2017 한국운동역학회지 Vol.27 No.4

Objective: The bobsleigh shoes used in the start section are one of the most important equipment for improving the competition. Despite the importance of the start section, there are no shoes that are specific for bobsleigh athletes in Korea and Korean athletes have to wear sprint spike shoes and practice the start instead of wearing bobsleigh shoes. The objective of the present study was to provide data for improving the performance of Korean bobsleigh athletes by investigating the differences in their split time, plantar pressure, and forefoot bending angle based on skill levels at the start of a run under the same conditions as training conditions. Method: Six Korean bobsleigh athletes were divided into two groups, superior (n=3) and non-superior (n=3). A digital speedometer measured the split time at the start; the Pedar-X system (Novel, Germany) measured plantar pressure. Plantar pressures and split times were measured as the athletes pushed a bobsleigh and sprinted at full speed from the start line to the 10-m mark on the bobsleigh track. An ultra-high-speed camera was used to measure the forefoot bending angle during the start phase. Results: Significant between-group differences were found in split times (p<.000; superior = 2.38 s, non-superior = 2.52 s). The superior group had a larger rearfoot (p<.05) contact area, maximum rearfoot force (p<.01), and a larger change in angles 3 and 4 (p<.05). Conclusion: At the start of a bobsleigh run, proper use of the rearfoot for achieving effective driving force and increasing frictional resistance through a wider frictional force can shorten start time.

REVIEW OF COMPUTATIONAL MODELS FOR FOOTWEAR DESIGN AND EVALUATION

Cheung, Jason Tak-Man,Yu, Jia,Zhang, Ming Korean Society of Sport Biomechanics 2009 한국운동역학회지 Vol.19 No.1

Existing footwear biomechanics studies rely on simplified kinetics and kinematics, plantar pressure and muscle electromyography measurements. Because of the complexity of foot-shoe interface and individualized subject response with different footwear, consistent results regarding the biomechanical performance of footwear or footwear components can yet be achieved. The computational approach can be an efficient and economic alternative to study the biomechanical interactions of foot and footwear. Continuous advancement in numerical techniques as well as computer technology has made the finite element method a versatile and successful tool for biomechanics researchdue to its capability of modelling irregular geometrical structures, complex material properties, and complicated loading and boundary conditions. Finite element analysis offers asystematic and economic alternative in search of more in-depth biomechanical information such as the internal stress and strain distributions of foot and footwear structures. In this paper, the current establishments and applications of the computational approach for footwear design and evaluation are reviewed.

Comparison of Biomechanical Characteristics of Rowing Performance between Elite and Non-Elite Scull Rowers: A Pilot Study

Kim, Jin-Sun,Cho, Hanyeop,Han, Bo-Ram,Yoon, So-Ya,Park, Seonhyung,Cho, Hyunseung,Lee, Joohyeon,Lee, Hae-Dong Korean Society of Sport Biomechanics 2016 한국운동역학회지 Vol.26 No.1

Objective: This study aimed to examine the characteristics of joint kinematics and synchronicity of rowing motion between elite and non-elite rowers. Methods: Two elite and two non-elite rowers performed rowing strokes (3 trials, 20 strokes in each trial) at three different stroke rates (20, 30, 40 stroke/min) on two stationary rowing ergometers. The rowing motions of the rowers were captured using a 3-dimensional motion analysis system (8-infrared camera VICON system, Oxford, UK). The range of motion (RoM) of the knee, hip, and elbow joints on the sagittal plane, the lead time ($T_{Lead}$) and the drive time $T_{Drive}$) for each joint, and the elapsed time for the knee joint to maintain a fully extended position ($T_{Knee}$) during the stroke were analyzed and compared between elite and non-elite rowers. Synchronicity of the rowing motion within and between groups was examined using coefficients of variation (CV) of the $T_{Drive}$ for each joint. Results: Regardless of the stroke rate, the RoM of all joints were greater for the elite than for non-elite rowers, except for the RoMs of the knee joint at 30 stroke/min and the elbow joint at 40 stroke/min (p < .05). Although the $T_{Lead}$ at all stroke rates were the same between the groups, the $T_{Drive}$ for each joint was shorter for the elite than for the non-elite rowers. During the drive phase, elite rowers kept the fully extended knee joint angle longer than the non-elite rowers (p < .05). The CV values of the TDrive within each group were smaller for the elite compared with non-elite rowers, except for the CV values of the hip at all stroke/min and elbow at 40 stroke/min. Conclusion: The elite, compared with non-elite, rowers seem to be able to perform more powerful and efficient rowing strokes with large RoM and a short $T_{Drive}$ with the same $T_{Lead}$.

An Analysis of X-Factor, Triple X-Factor, and the Center of Pressure (COP) according to the Feel of the Golf Driver Swing

Kim, Yong-Seok,So, Jae-Moo Korean Society of Sport Biomechanics 2016 한국운동역학회지 Vol.26 No.3

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze X-factor, triple X-factor, and the center of pressure (COP) according to the feel of golf driver swing. Method: For this research, 9 golfers from the Korea Professional Golfers' Association (age: $30.11{\pm}2.98yrs$, height: $178.00{\pm}8.42cm$, weight: $76.22{\pm}8.42kg$, experience: $10.06{\pm}3.11yrs$) were recruited to participate in the experiment. Twelve Motion Analysis Eagle-4 cameras were installed and an image analysis was conducted by using the NLT (non-linear transformation) method, and 2 units of Kistler type 5233A dynamometer were used to measure ground reaction force. The sampling ratio was set at 1000 Hz. The golfers each took 10 swings by using their own driver, and chose the best and worse feel from among 10 shots. A paired-sample t-test was used to analyze the results. Results: In regard to feel, no change in head speed, X-factor, and the triple X-factor's X-factor stretch, hip rise, and head swivel, was observed (p>.05). Regarding ground reaction force, a difference was observed between the top of the backswing (p<.05) and impact (p<.05) in the vertical force of the left foot. For COP, a difference was also observed between the mid backswing (p<.001), late backswing (p<.001), and top of the backswing (p<.05) for the right foot X-axis and Y-axis mid follow through (p<.01). Conclusion: It can be reasoned that, irrespective of feel, the head speed, X-factor and triple X-factor's X-factor stretch, hip rise and head swivel did not have an effect on drive distance for domestic golfers, and the vertical reaction force of the left foot and left-right movement span's pressure dispersal of the right foot had an increasing effect on drive distance.

The Effects of Upper Limb, Trunk, and Pelvis Movements on Apkubi Momtong Baro Jireugi Velocity in Taekwondo

Yoo, Si-Hyun Korean Society of Sport Biomechanics 2016 한국운동역학회지 Vol.26 No.3

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate effects of upper limb, trunk, and pelvis kinematic variables on the velocity of Apkubi Momtong Baro Jireugi in Taekwondo. Method: Twenty Taekwondo Poomsae athletes (age: $20.8{\pm}2.2years$, height: $171.5{\pm}7.0cm$, body weight: $66.2{\pm}8.0kg$) participated in this study. The variables were upper limb velocity and acceleration; trunk angle, angular velocity, and angular acceleration; pelvis angle, angular velocity, and angular acceleration; and waist angle, angular velocity, and angular acceleration. Pearson's correlation coefficient was calculated for Jireugi velocity and kinematic variables; multiple regression analysis was performed to investigate influence on Jireugi velocity. Results: Angular trunk acceleration and linear upper arm punching acceleration had significant effects on Jireugi velocity (p<.05). Conclusion: We affirmed that angular trunk acceleration and linear upper arm punching acceleration increase the Jireugi velocity.