Mechanical energy flows between body segments in ballistic track-and-field movements (shot put, discus, javelin) as a performance evaluation method

Seeking a method to evaluate and monitor the performance of the shot put, discus and javelin throw, we analyzed the transfer of mechanical energy between body segments. Methods: The study was conducted on groups consisting of elite throwers on the Polish National Team for each of the aforementioned sport disciplines. The movements of each throw were recorded using Vicon system and Kistler plates. The power and energy fluctuations were computed for the final acceleration phase of each throw. Results: In all three disciplines studied, we found an average energy loss of 1.63 J/kg generated from shoulder to wrist. The value of generated energy from ankle to torso initially increased in all disciplines, followed by a descent – with the exception of the javelin throw, where there was an average 27% decrease in both hip joints. We found strong correlations between relative amplitude values of energy and the athlete’s personal performance records: –0.8226 (shot put), 0.6008 (discus) and 0.7273 (javelin). Conclusions: Measuring the transfer of mechanical energy between body segments offers a useful method for evaluating the technique of ballistic movements and for monitoring training progress.