OPTIMISATION OF PERFORMANCE IN RUNNING JUMPS FOR HEIGHT

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of approach conditions and takeoff technique on optimum performance. A planar eight-segment computer simulation model was used to simulate the takeoff phase in high jumping. Optimisations based on performances in the laboratory and at an athletics track were carried out to maximise the height reached by the mass centre in the flight phase. Three pairs of optimisations were performed: (i) optimisation of technique, (ii) optimisation of technique and initial conditions, (iii) optimisation of technique, initial conditions and approach velocity. In the first pair of optimisations the increases in height were 0.12 m and 0.17 m respectively. In the second pair of optimisations the additional increases in height were 0.09 m and 0.19 m and in the third pair further increases of 0.42 m and 0.02 m were obtained.