LONG JUMP KINEMATICS OF WORD CLASS ATHLETES WITH AN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY

Abstract

The aim of this study was to describe performance related kinematics parameters in long jump of elite athletes with an intellectual disability (ID athletes) and to compare to elite athletes without intellectual disability (non-ID athletes). The 2010 INAS athletics world indoor championships were analysed. Three high speed (100Hz) video cameras were used to observe the run up in 2D. A laser device recorded the full run up velocity. Overall jumping performance was worse in ID athletes compared to literature values of non-ID athletes. This also reflects low maximal run up and take-off velocities, a high within subject variations in the landing distance and distance of the last 3 steps to the take-off board. The take-off angles were comparable to those of non-ID athletes. Future research should relate performance related parameters to the cognitive potential of the athletes.