HIGH JUMP DIRECT DYNAMIC SIMULATION

Abstract

INTRODUcrION High jumps are composed of a complex sequence of movements whose single contribution to the whole body motion cannot be intuitively predicted. While most of the movements are well learned by the elite athletes in order to reach the result, few are not effective or negative from the mechanical point of view and are probably performed for an erroneous feeling of their effects. The direct dynamic simulation of jumping can be useful in order to more fully understand the mechanics of high jump techniques; to explain to the athletes the consequences of some errors; and to test possible evolution of the exercise. When the external forces and the relative movements of the limbs are known, the calculation of the whole body trajectory and orientation is a direct dynamic problem.