KINEMATIC AND DYNAMIC ANALYSIS OF HURDLE CLEARANCE TECHNIQUE

Abstract

The objective of this study was to establish and analyse those kinematic and dynamic parameters that define an efficient hurdle clearance technique. This is one of the most important factors affecting the performance of athletes in the 110m hurdle event. Test runs from starting blocks with the clearance of five hurdles, set in accordance with the competition rules, were carried out on a sample of four male hurdlers, members of Slovene National Team. Kinematic analysis was performed with a 3D Ariel video system. The dynamic parameters of the take-off and landing of hurdle clearance were determined with a Kistler force platform. It was found that efficient hurdle clearance technique is generated by the following factors: The contact time of take-off, an optimal ratio of the braking phase to propulsion phase of take-off, the ratio of the point of take-off to landing, (relative to the hurdle), flight time, short braking phase in landing, high position of the centre of gravity (CG) at landing and minimal reduction in the horizontal force of the CG at landing.