AMERICA'S CUP GRINDERS' POWER OUTPUT CAN BE IMPROVED WITH A BIOMECHANICAL TECHNIQUE INTERVENTION

##article.authors##

  • Simon N. Pearson
  • Patria A. Hume
  • Tim Ackland
  • David Slyfield

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America's Cup##common.commaListSeparator## sailing##common.commaListSeparator## grinding technique##common.commaListSeparator## performance##common.commaListSeparator## anthropometry##common.commaListSeparator## kinematics

##article.abstract##

Grinding provides the power behind tacking and gybing, where the yacht crosses the wind to change direction. This study evaluated the effect of a technique intervention on grinding performance. Ten America's Cup grinders were assessed, via videoed joint kinematics and grinder ergometer power output, before and after a technique intervention based on biomechanical principles. Anthropometric measures were obtained from each grinder using ISAK protocols. Maximal strength was assessed using 1 RM bench pull. The intervention produced a 4.7% increase in mean power output (p = 0.012). Regression analysis indicated predictors for grinding performance were COM. position and maximal strength.

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##submissions.published##

2008-03-01

##issue.issue##

23 International Symposium on Biomechanics in Sports (2005)

##section.section##

Coaching and Sports Activities

##submission.license##

Authors can retain copyright, while granting the International Society of Biomechanics in Sports (ISBS) the right of first publication.