Active Wheelchairs

 LONG JUMP ATHLETES: BIO MECHANICS INVOLVED

WE WILL TALK ABOUT………

•Technique of sport (Long Jump)

•Biomechanics Involved & Specific needs.

•Possible regions of Micro-trauma.

•Risk factors

•Physical & Psychological Training in times of NO Injury.

•Rehab in times of Injury.

•Multidisciplinary Team- Role of Physio.

•LONG JUMP – THE TECHNIQUE

•Technique is divided into 4 events/phases:

ü The APPROACH (or run-up)

üThe TAKE-OFF

üThe FLIGHT – Hitch-kick or Hang Technique

üThe LANDING

•Measure of performance:

ü The OFFICIAL distance(from the end of the board)

üThe EFFECTIVE distance (from the point of toe off)                

•BIOMECHANICAL ANALYSIS

•Starting Position- The athlete begins with an extension of the hip and front leg that is followed closely by flexion of the rear leg.

•Approach Phase – three primary goals: to attain high horizontal velocity, maintain accuracy with a consistent stride pattern, and maintain proper body position.

•Take-off - The ability to transfer horizontal velocity into vertical velocity is determined during the final two steps of the approach leading into the takeoff.

•Flight-Takeoff results in the creation of forward rotation. The athlete counter the forward rotation while airborne, achieved by transferring momentum from the lead knee and opposite arm upon takeoff.

•Landing - At takeoff, the center of mass shifts according to the trajectory of the jump. To counter this and prepare for landing, the jumper extend the legs forward while keeping the arms behind the hips upon contact with the sand. The head and chest dropped forward to avoid falling back after landing.

(Taylor & Beith)

•NEEDS OF SPORT

•The goal is to achieve the most efficient technique while maximizing performance of every muscle in the body - accomplished by balancing speed , power, strength, jumping ability ,co-ordination & precision.(Hay)

•Other ability to be learnt – Maintain correct posture of the body throughout different phases of jump.(Carr,1999)

 

•COMMON  MICRO-TRAUMAS

•The International Olympic Committee revealed a high prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries in elite track and field athletes- 43% overuse injuries.(Ljungqvist et al,2009)

• Approach Phase- Sprain to knee ligaments, Hamstring Strains, Shin Splints.

•During take-off -  Focal degeneration of Achilles Tendon & Patellar tendon.(Partial/Complete Rupture), Jumper’s knee, Epiphyzeal Plate damage.

•Landing – Stress Fractures (navicular/ tibial/ metatarsal/ spine),Lateral ankle sprain(landing on plantar flexed foot), Fat pad contusion, Meniscal damage.

•RISK FACTORS

qIntrinsic Factors                                                

•Femoral neck anteversion

•Tibial torsion

•Pes planus

•Leg length discrepancy

• Muscle imbalance

• Muscle weakness

• Lack of flexibility

• Generalized muscle tightness

• Focal areas of muscle thickening

• Restricted joint range of motion

• Sex, size, body composition

• Other: Genetic factors, endocrine

       factors, metabolic conditions        

qExtrinsic Factors

•Training errors

•Excessive intensity

•Rapid increase

•Sudden change in type of training

•Excessive fatigue or Overtraining

•Inadequate recovery

•Faulty technique

•Surfaces : Hard , Soft , Cambered

•Shoes : Inappropriate, Worn out

•Equipment : Inappropriate

•Environmental conditions :Hot ,Cold , Humid

•Psychological factors

•Inadequate nutrition

•PHYSICAL TRAINING – NO INJURY

•Aims: To develop

üCoordination

üEndurance

üFlexibility

üSpeed

üStrength

•A general training program would include:

üAerobic Training: Cardio-workout, Running

üCore Strengthening workout (Willardson,2007)

üAnaerobic Training: (for force/speed generation) Sprint drills, Circuit Training, Interval Training.

üUpper limb and lower limb strengthening (using weights, thera-bands etc.)

üAgility drills (for co-ordination and balance)

üPlyometric drills (for muscle strength & explosiveness)

üLong jump drills (sport specific)- eg. High knee jumps, Knee to  chest jump run.(when foot comes up it should be dorsi-flexed and plantar flexed while going down)

üAlthough Gluteals & Quads are force generation muscles lower leg muscles and foot muscles should not be ignored while working out and resistive exercises using therabands can be designed for the same. (to avoid injuries)

üYoga  & Meditation.(for relaxation & improved concentration)

•A proper warm up & cool down is essential and stretching should be an important part of regime.

 

REHABILITATION OF OVERUSE INJURY

•Begin as soon as possible – early intervention proves to be beneficial.(Levin,1993)

•Predisposing factors and risk factors should be addressed and patient education is paramount. (Wai,2004)

•Key Aims of rehab:

üOptimum rest (depending on type & grade of injury) to allow healing.

üMaintain mobility and strength of non injured area.(eg. if ankle is injured- upper limb and other lower limb can workout)

üA precise and individualistic rehab program should be designed identifying the progression and the limitation with supervision by therapist.

•Important Components Of Progressive Rehab Program (Kinch & Lambert,2007)

 

•PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECT

•In a healthy athlete psychological drills help in- improving concentration, avoid external pressures and problems during performance, improve speed, strength & skills.

•Certain techniques are: Mental Imagery, Centering, Progressive muscle relaxation, positive self talk, music.(Blundell)

•In an injured athlete the fear of getting re-injury and unable to perform to the pre-injury level plays a major role and may sometimes hamper the rehabilitation procedure as well. (Kvist et al,2005)

•Although elite athletes are usually highly motivated individuals but sometimes the pain and inability to perform can lower their motivation. Therefore psychological  intervention is essential.

•MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM

•Appropriate understanding and respect of the role of every individual in MDT is essential to make use of their expertise to the fullest and benefit the athlete excel in performance.

•Team consists of various members ranging from family/friends to coach/healthcare staff to administrative staff.

•Healthcare staff usually includes Physician, Physiotherapist, S&C , Nutritionist, Psychologist – proper referral and involvement of the whole team along with coach while designing rehab or training program allows a better approach and understanding towards a injury.

•Physio’s role is to deal with the injury aptly either curing or preventing and mainly rehabilitating .

•Communicating at apt time and stage is essential to have a healthy working environment.