ANALYSIS OF DYNAMIC TRAPEZE SAILING TECHNIQUES

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to simulate dynamic trapeze sailing to determine the stress placed on the musculoskeletal system. Muscle activations from the erector spinae and external oblique musculature were measured using electromyography and combined with joint kinematics to analyse several dynamic trapeze sailing postures. Dynamic trapeze sailing involved stresses to the musculoskeletal system that previous studies failed to indicate. These stresses included constant use of external oblique and erector spinae musculature to stabilise the trunk, rapid extensionfrotation of the trunk coupled with eccentric muscle contraction during dynamic body pumping techniques, and increases in muscle activations owing to asymmetrical body positions. These results have implications for trapeze harness design and injury prevention.