CONSTRAINTS AND ROBUSTNESS CONSIDERATIONS IN THE OPTIMISATION OF SPRINGBOARD DIVING TAKEOFF TECHNIQUE: A SIMULATION STUDY

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of imposing anatomical constraints and robustness requirements on the optimisation of springboard diving takeoff technique. A planar eight-segment model of a diver with torque generators together with a springboard model was used to optimise takeoff techniques for maximum rotational potential in the forward dive group by varying the activation timings of the torque-generators. Optimisation 1 imposed no constraints or robustness requirements. Optimisation 2 imposed anatomical constraints. Optimisation 3 imposed anatomical constraints and a requirement of robustness to perturbations in activation timing. The results showed that imposing both anatomical constraints and robustness requirements have a substantial effect on optimum simulated performance.