kinematic analysis of hurdling performances at 2000 united states ...

Only 4 hurdlers’ performances were digitized due to obscured views as the flight passed over the hurdle.
Fourteen body data points, 6 hurdle points (right & left top, base, & standard base), and the fixed
reference marker on the video images of the hurdle trials were digitized, the coordinate data were scaled
using an 3-DLT transformation, and then smoothed using a quintic spline filter. To examine the
relationships between horizontal force production, contact time, and flight time, the temporal variables
of foot contact time during the stride prior to take-off and flight time were determined. Kinematic data
included the changes in CM horizontal velocity during foot contact at take-off, changes in CM
horizontal velocity at landing after hurdle clearance, vertical elevation of CM during hurdle clearance
from take-off, and horizontal displacement of the CM apex in comparison to hurdle clearance position.
Additionally, the displacement of the foot at take-off from the hurdle, and the displacement of the
landing foot from the hurdle were determined (See Figure 2).
Technique analysis of the video records were reviewed with the athlete, his coach, and a member of the
United States of America Track and Field (USATF) Elite hurdling development staff, the next day after
the competition. Subsequent analyses using data integration techniques of the hurdler’s video records,
stick figure reconstruction with the CM traced, and the kinematic data graphs of their hurdling trials
were generated. These integrated multimedia displays are to be provided to the athletes at the USATF
Elite Hurdling Development camp to be held at the United States Olympic Committee Training facility
in Chula Vista, California (See Figure 3).