Contribution of some biomechanical variables to discus throw performance in youth

Abstract

This study examines the biomechanical parameters that influence discus performance in youth throwers. Six male youth elite discus throwers were tested, and data for main biomechanical factors (peak leg force, logarithm of trunk RT velocity, logarithm of shoulder linear velocity, release velocity, release angle, and release height) were recorded. The strongest relations with throw distance were found for release velocity (r = 0.95) and shoulder linear velocity (r = 0.90). The second and third major contributors were peak leg force (r = 0.87) and trunk rotation velocity (r = 0.82). This work also demonstrated the value of relative timing of body segments, with the proximal-to-distal sequence of timing critical in the transfer of energy. Both release angle and height of release had moderate relationships with outcome, but they played a smaller role than velocity-related variables. These data underscore the importance of training the shoulder velocity and the leg force to improve the performance in the discus throw. The study also proposes that superior release velocity and segmental coordination will result in improved performance. Further research with larger cohort sizes and prospective studies is needed with these relationships in order to enhance the training approach to young athletes.