Relationship between Discus Throwing Performance and Kinetic and Kinematic Indicators in the F33 Paralympic Record Holder

Abstract

The study investigated the kinematic and kinetic-related indicators affecting the distance achieved in the discus throwing competition of the Paralympic Games, and investigate the biomechanical indicators affecting each moment within the performance of discus throwing in the Paralympic Games class F33. The researchers assessed the performance of the world Paralympic champion, Hani Al-Nakhli (height: 1.71 m; weight in kg: 69; age: 35 years old; years of training: 14). The participant's performance was filmed in three dimensions by employing GoPro Hero 6 cameras (x3) which were set to take shots at a rate of 60 frames per second, for 16 throw attempts. The best eight correct attempts to conduct the 3D biomechanical analysis were selected using Skillspector software. Statistical analyses were performed to identify the variables most related to achieving the maximum total throwing distance using Pearson's correlation during the performance for each moment. Specifically, the biomechanical indicators affecting the achievement of the maximum throwing distances for the F33 player were identified using the linear kinematic variables of the tool; namely: (i) the trans-verse acceleration of the disc, (ii) the linear kinematic variable of the player's body represented in the horizontal acceleration of the body's center of gravity, and (iii) the angular kinematic variable represented in the angular velocity of the left thigh. These measurements took into ac-count the other complete biomechanical characteristics to achieve these indicators as required.